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Numbers 25:16 - Divine command against Midian's evil

Numbers 25:16 - במדבר 25:16

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. Rashi (Shemot 6:2) explains that this expression signifies a clear and direct communication from Hashem to Moshe, often introducing mitzvot or prophetic messages. The term "וַיְדַבֵּר" (spoke) implies a tone of firmness and authority, as noted in the Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 7:89).

The Significance of "לֵּאמֹר"

The word "לֵּאמֹר" ("saying") is interpreted by the Ramban (Bereishit 1:3) as an instruction for Moshe to relay the message to Bnei Yisrael. The Talmud (Yoma 4b) further elaborates that this term indicates Moshe's role as the faithful transmitter of divine will, ensuring the accuracy of the transmission to the people.

Moshe's Unique Prophetic Stature

This verse underscores Moshe's unparalleled prophetic level. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) teaches that Moshe alone received prophecy "פֶּה אֶל פֶּה" ("mouth to mouth"), with absolute clarity, unlike other prophets who received visions or allegories. The Midrash Tanchuma (Vaera 3) adds that Moshe's direct dialogue with Hashem reflects his unique closeness to the divine presence.

Structural Role in the Torah

This phrase often serves as a structural marker in the Torah, introducing new sections of law or narrative. Ibn Ezra (Shemot 25:1) notes that it emphasizes the divine origin of the ensuing commandments, reinforcing the Torah's authority as the word of Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

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 direct commandment or message to Moshe (Moses) to transmit to the Jewish people. Rashi explains that this wording emphasizes the precision with which Moshe conveyed Hashem's words without adding or omitting anything.
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 to others (often to the Jewish people or to Aharon). The Talmud (Yoma 4b) derives from this that a messenger must deliver a message precisely as it was given to them.
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, showing the constant communication between Hashem and Moshe. Each instance introduces important commandments or instructions for the Jewish people.
Q: What can we learn from how Hashem spoke to Moshe?
A: We learn about the special relationship between Hashem and Moshe, who merited to speak with Hashem 'face to face' (Exodus 33:11). The Rambam explains in Moreh Nevuchim that Moshe's prophecy was unique and the foundation for all Torah transmission.
Q: Why is this phrase important in understanding the Torah?
A: This phrase establishes the divine origin of the commandments that follow. As the Talmud (Sanhedrin 99a) teaches, one who says Moshe wrote anything on his own denies a fundamental Torah principle. Every word comes directly from Hashem.