Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying' mean in Numbers 15:17?
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 commandments that follow.
Q: Why does the Torah repeat 'saying' after 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe'?
A: The double language of 'spoke... saying' teaches that Moshe was commanded to repeat these words exactly to the Jewish people. The Talmud (Yoma 4b) explains this repetition emphasizes the importance of transmitting Torah teachings accurately.
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. Each instance introduces a new divine communication, showing how frequently Hashem guided the Jewish people through Moshe during their journey in the wilderness.
Q: What can we learn from how Hashem spoke to Moshe?
A: The Rambam teaches (Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) that Hashem's communication with Moshe was unique - it was clear, direct, and without intermediary angels. This shows the special level of prophecy Moshe attained and the importance of his role in transmitting the Torah.
Q: Why is it important that the Torah specifies Hashem spoke to Moshe?
A: This establishes the authority of the commandments that follow. As the Midrash (Sifrei) explains, by emphasizing that Hashem spoke to Moshe, the Torah shows that these laws come directly from the Divine and not from human wisdom or invention.
The Divine Communication to Moshe
The phrase "וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר" ("And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying") is a recurring formula in the Torah, marking the transmission of divine commandments and teachings. Rashi (on Shemot 6:2) explains that this expression signifies a clear and direct communication from Hashem to Moshe, distinct from other forms of prophecy, which may be conveyed through visions or dreams (Bamidbar 12:6-8).
The Significance of "לֵּאמֹר" ("Saying")
The word "לֵּאמֹר" indicates that Moshe was to relay the message to Bnei Yisrael. Ramban (on Bereishit 8:15) notes that this term emphasizes Moshe's role as the intermediary, faithfully transmitting Hashem's words without alteration. The Talmud (Shabbat 87a) further teaches that Moshe's unique level of prophecy—"aspaklaria ha-me'ira" (a clear lens)—ensured the accuracy of his transmission.
Moshe's Unique Prophetic Stature
Context in the Torah
This phrase often introduces mitzvot or pivotal events, such as the giving of the Torah (Shemot 19:3) or the construction of the Mishkan (Shemot 25:1). The Ohr HaChaim (on Shemot 25:1) teaches that each instance reflects a new dimension of divine wisdom, tailored to the specific needs of Bnei Yisrael at that moment.