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Numbers 25:10 - Divine zeal rewards Pinchas' righteousness

Numbers 25:10 - במדבר 25:10

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

Introduction to Divine Communication

The phrase "וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר" ("And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying") appears frequently in the Torah, particularly in the books of Shemot, Vayikra, Bamidbar, and Devarim. This formulation signifies the transmission of divine commandments and teachings from Hashem to Moshe Rabbeinu, the intermediary through whom the Torah was given to Bnei Yisrael.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 6:2) notes that this phrase emphasizes the clarity and directness of Hashem's communication with Moshe. Unlike other prophets who received messages through visions or allegories (as seen with Yeshayahu or Yechezkel), Moshe heard Hashem's words "face to face" (Bamidbar 12:8), in a manner of absolute clarity (aspaklaria ha-me'ira). The term "לֵּאמֹר" ("saying") indicates that Moshe was to relay these words precisely to the people.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:65), the Rambam explains that this phrasing underscores the authority of Moshe's prophecy. Unlike other forms of divine communication, Moshe's prophecies were not subject to doubt or interpretation—they were the unequivocal word of Hashem. This is why the Torah repeatedly uses this language when introducing mitzvot, reinforcing their divine origin.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • Sanhedrin 99a: The Gemara teaches that every instance of "וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה" is a chiddush (a new revelation), demonstrating that Torah is an ongoing, living wisdom from Hashem.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayikra 1): The phrase highlights Moshe’s humility—despite his unique status, he never presumed to speak on his own but only repeated what Hashem commanded him.

Kabbalistic Interpretation

The Zohar (Vayikra 7a) explains that "וַיְדַבֵּר" (from the root dibur) represents a higher level of divine speech than amirah (saying). Dibur implies a forceful, articulated transmission, fitting for the giving of halachah (law), whereas amirah is softer, often used for narratives or promises.

Halachic Significance

The Mechilta (Shemot 19:3) derives from this phrase that Moshe could not alter even a single word of what he received. This principle is foundational to the belief in Torah min HaShamayim (the divine origin of the Torah) and the immutability of halachah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that 'the Lord spoke to Moshe'?
A: This phrase appears frequently in the Torah to introduce divine commandments. According to Rashi, it emphasizes that Moshe received these words directly from Hashem with perfect clarity, not through prophecy or dreams like other prophets.
Q: Why does the Torah keep repeating 'And Hashem spoke to Moshe'?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 4b) explains that each new statement begins this way to show breaks between topics. Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) teaches it also demonstrates how Moshe could initiate prophecy at any time, unlike other prophets who had to wait for divine inspiration.
Q: What is the significance of the word 'leimor' (saying) at the end?
A: Rashi explains 'leimor' means Moshe was instructed to repeat these words to the Jewish people. The Midrash (Sifrei) notes this teaches the obligation of Torah leaders to clearly transmit Hashem's messages to the nation.
Q: How does this verse connect to the surrounding story about Pinchas?
A: This introduces Hashem's response to Pinchas's actions (25:6-9). The Ohr HaChaim explains the phrasing shows these were direct words of praise and covenant following Pinchas's zealousness for Hashem's honor.
Q: What lesson can we learn from how Hashem spoke to Moshe?
A: The Ramban teaches this models the intimate relationship we can have with Hashem through Torah. Just as Moshe received divine words clearly, we too can connect to Hashem by studying and observing these same commandments today.