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Leviticus 7:22 - Divine dietary laws revealed.

Leviticus 7:22 - ויקרא 7:22

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 phrase "וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר" ("And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying") appears frequently in the Torah, marking the transmission of divine commandments and teachings. Rashi (Shemot 6:2) notes that this expression signifies a direct and clear communication from Hashem to Moshe, often introducing mitzvot or prophetic messages intended for Bnei Yisrael.

The Significance of "Vayedaber"

The term "וַיְדַבֵּר" ("spoke") implies a forceful and authoritative transmission, as explained by the Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:6). Unlike softer terms like "וַיֹּאמֶר" ("said"), "וַיְדַבֵּר" suggests a structured and deliberate revelation, often associated with legal or ethical instruction.

The Role of Moshe as Intermediary

The verse emphasizes Moshe's unique role as the conduit for divine communication. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 28:6) teaches that Moshe was distinguished by his humility and clarity, making him the ideal vessel for transmitting Torah. The Ramban (Bamidbar 12:6) further elaborates that Moshe alone experienced prophecy "face to face," unlike other prophets who received messages through visions or dreams.

Structure of Divine Command

  • "אֶל־מֹשֶׁה" ("to Moshe") – The message is directed specifically to Moshe, underscoring his leadership role (Sifrei Devarim 1:1).
  • "לֵּאמֹר" ("saying") – This indicates that Moshe is to relay the message to Bnei Yisrael, as explained by the Ibn Ezra (Shemot 19:3).

Kabbalistic Insight

The Zohar (Shemot 7b) interprets this phrase as reflecting the continuous flow of divine wisdom from the upper worlds to Moshe, who then brings it into the physical realm. The repetition of this phrase throughout the Torah signifies the ongoing relationship between Hashem and His people through Moshe's leadership.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean when the verse 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 the divine origin of the laws that follow.
Q: Why does the Torah repeat this phrase so often?
A: The Rambam teaches that the repetition of 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe' before many commandments shows that each mitzvah (commandment) was given directly by Hashem to Moshe at Mount Sinai. This establishes the divine authority of every law in the Torah.
Q: What can we learn from how Hashem communicated with Moshe?
A: The Talmud (Yevamot 49b) teaches that Moshe was unique in receiving prophecy 'face to face' with perfect clarity. This teaches us about the special relationship between Hashem and Moshe, and how prophecy worked in Judaism.
Q: How does this apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have prophecy like Moshe did, the Midrash (Sifra) explains that through studying these words of Torah, we maintain our connection to Hashem's wisdom. The Ohr HaChaim adds that we should approach Torah study with the same reverence as if hearing it directly from Hashem.
Q: Why does it say 'saying' at the end of the verse?
A: Rashi explains that the word 'saying' (לֵּאמֹר) means Moshe was commanded to repeat these words to the Jewish people. This teaches us about the transmission of Torah - from Hashem to Moshe, and from Moshe to all of Israel.