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Exodus 6:10 - Divine command to Moshe: Free Israel

Exodus 6:10 - שמות 6:10

Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר׃

English Translation

And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying,

Transliteration

Vayedaber Adonai el-Moshe lemor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר׃
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Divine Communication to Moshe

The verse "וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר" ("And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying") appears frequently in the Torah, introducing direct communication from Hashem to Moshe Rabbeinu. This phrase emphasizes the unique prophetic relationship between Hashem and Moshe, as explained by Rashi (Shemot 6:2) and Rambam in Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah (7:6).

Key Insights from Traditional Sources

  • Rashi (Bamidbar 7:89): Notes that this phrasing indicates a clear and direct transmission of divine will, unlike other forms of prophecy which may come through dreams or visions (see also Bamidbar 12:6-8).
  • Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:35): Explains that Moshe's prophecy was unique in its clarity, as he received divine communication "face to face," without intermediary metaphors or obscurity.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayikra 1): Highlights that this introductory phrase often precedes mitzvot, teaching that Moshe transmitted Hashem's commandments precisely as received, without alteration.

The Significance of "לֵּאמֹר" ("Saying")

The term "לֵּאמֹר" is interpreted by the Ohr HaChaim (Shemot 6:10) as indicating that Moshe was to relay the divine message to others—either to Bnei Yisrael or to Aharon. This reflects Moshe's role as the intermediary for transmitting Torah to the nation.

Halachic Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 95) derives from this verse that Moshe's prophecy established the principle of Torah MiSinai—the divine origin of all mitzvot. This foundational belief is codified by Rambam in his 13 Principles of Faith (Principle 8).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying' mean in Exodus 6:10?
A: This phrase is a common introduction in the Torah indicating that Hashem is giving a direct commandment or message to Moshe (Moses) to convey to the Jewish people. Rashi explains that this wording emphasizes the precision with which Moshe transmitted divine instructions.
Q: Why does the Torah repeat 'saying' after 'spoke' in Exodus 6:10?
A: The double language of 'spoke... saying' teaches that Moshe was commanded to repeat these words exactly to others (often to Pharaoh or the Israelites). The Talmud (Yoma 4b) derives from this that a messenger must faithfully deliver the exact message they were given.
Q: How many times does this phrase appear in the Torah?
A: The exact phrase 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying' appears over 70 times in the Torah. Ramban notes this repetition shows that every divine communication was a distinct event, not just a summary of previous teachings.