Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean when the Torah says 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying'?
A: This phrase is a common introduction in the Torah indicating that Hashem is giving a new commandment or instruction to Moshe (Moses) to transmit to the Jewish people. Rashi explains that this wording emphasizes that Moshe received the Torah directly from Hashem with perfect accuracy.
Q: Why does the Torah repeat 'saying' after 'spoke'?
A: The double language of 'spoke... saying' teaches that Moshe was commanded to repeat these words to the Jewish people. The Talmud (Yoma 4b) explains this repetition shows Moshe's role as the faithful transmitter of Torah, carefully delivering Hashem's exact words to Israel.
Q: How is this opening phrase significant in Leviticus?
A: This phrase introduces the laws of sacrifices in Leviticus. Rambam (Guide 3:32) teaches that these openings remind us the entire Torah comes from Hashem, especially important for sacrificial laws whose reasons aren't always obvious, requiring our complete faith in Divine wisdom.
Q: What can we learn from how Hashem spoke to Moshe?
A: The Midrash (Sifra) notes that Hashem always spoke to Moshe clearly and with respect, teaching us the importance of clear, dignified communication. Additionally, the consistent phrasing throughout Torah shows the unchanging nature of Divine law.
Q: Does this phrase appear elsewhere in the Torah?
A: Yes, this exact phrasing appears over 70 times in the Torah, particularly in Leviticus and Numbers. The consistency demonstrates that all commandments - whether ethical, ritual, or civil - share the same Divine origin and authority.
The Divine Communication to Moshe
The phrase "וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר" ("And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying") appears frequently in the Torah, marking the transmission of divine commandments. Rashi (Shemot 6:2) explains that this expression signifies a clear and direct communication from Hashem to Moshe, often introducing mitzvot or prophetic revelations. The term "וַיְדַבֵּר" (spoke) implies a strong and authoritative transmission, as opposed to softer forms of communication like "וַיֹּאמֶר" (said).
The Significance of "לֵּאמֹר" (Saying)
The word "לֵּאמֹר" indicates that Moshe was to relay the message to Bnei Yisrael. Ramban (Bereishit 1:3) notes that this term underscores Moshe's role as the intermediary between Hashem and the people. The Sforno adds that this structure emphasizes the precision required in transmitting divine instruction—Moshe was to convey the words exactly as received, without alteration.
Context in Torah Shebichtav
Theological Implications
The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) derives from such verses that Moshe's prophecy was distinct in its immediacy and lack of intermediary angels. This formulation reinforces the Torah's divine origin and Moshe's unparalleled role as the transmitter of Hashem's will to Klal Yisrael.