Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does the Torah say 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying' so many times?
A: The phrase 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying' appears frequently in the Torah to emphasize that every commandment comes directly from Hashem. Rashi explains that this wording shows Moshe's humility—he didn't add or subtract anything from G-d's words (based on Deuteronomy 4:2). Each time this phrase appears, it's a new divine communication.
Q: What is the significance of the word 'saying' (לֵּאמֹר) in this verse?
A: The word 'laimor' (saying) teaches that Moshe was instructed to relay these words to the Jewish people. Ramban explains it implies a command to transmit the message further. This establishes the chain of Torah transmission from G-d to Moshe to all Israel (based on Pirkei Avot 1:1).
Q: Why does Leviticus 18:1 begin with this phrasing before listing commandments?
A: This introduction stresses the divine origin of the upcoming laws about proper conduct. Ibn Ezra notes that since these were moral laws that people might rationalize differently, the Torah emphasizes they come from G-d. The Sforno adds that this shows these commandments are eternal, not just for that generation.
Q: How does this verse connect to the previous section in Leviticus?
A: Rashi connects this to the end of Leviticus 17 which discusses proper slaughter. The Torah now transitions from ritual laws to moral laws, showing both come from G-d. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) explains this teaches that just as the Mishkan was given through Moshe, so too were these moral laws.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe'?
A: This teaches us that Torah guidance comes through proper channels—just as G-d spoke through Moshe, today we learn Torah through our sages and teachers in an unbroken chain. The Rambam (Introduction to Mishneh Torah) explains this establishes the authority of the Oral Torah transmitted from Moshe onward.
The Divine Communication to Moshe
The verse "וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר" ("And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying") appears frequently in the Torah, particularly in the books of Vayikra and Bamidbar. This phrase introduces direct communication from Hashem to Moshe, emphasizing the unique prophetic relationship between them.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (on Shemot 6:2) notes that the term "וַיְדַבֵּר" ("and He spoke") often indicates a harsh or forceful tone, reserved for moments of divine command or rebuke. However, in other contexts, it may simply denote clear and direct communication. The phrase "לֵּאמֹר" ("saying") suggests that Moshe was to relay these words to Bnei Yisrael, underscoring his role as the intermediary.
Rambam on Prophecy
In Moreh Nevuchim (2:45), the Rambam explains that Moshe's prophecy was unique ("פָּנִים אֶל פָּנִים", "face to face")—unlike other prophets who received messages through dreams or visions. The phrasing here highlights the immediacy and clarity of Hashem's words to Moshe, distinguishing his level of prophecy.
Midrashic Insights
Kabbalistic Perspective
The Zohar (Vayikra 7a) interprets "וַיְדַבֵּר" as an expression of the Sefirah of Malchut (Kingship), through which Hashem's will is conveyed to the physical world. Moshe, as the faithful shepherd, served as the pure vessel for this transmission.