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Numbers 27:15 - Moshe seeks successor from Hashem

Numbers 27:15 - במדבר 27:15

Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר מֹשֶׁה אֶל־יְהוָה לֵאמֹר׃

English Translation

And Moshe spoke to the Lord, saying,

Transliteration

Vaydaber Moshe el-Adonai lemor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֶל־יְהֹוָ֖ה לֵאמֹֽר׃
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֶל־יְהֹוָ֖ה לֵאמֹֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse "וַיְדַבֵּר מֹשֶׁה אֶל־יְהוָה לֵאמֹר" (And Moshe spoke to the Lord, saying) appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 27:15, where Moshe Rabbeinu addresses Hashem after being informed that he will not enter Eretz Yisrael. This moment marks a pivotal transition in leadership to Yehoshua bin Nun.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 27:15) notes that Moshe's speech here demonstrates his exceptional humility and concern for Klal Yisrael. Even after being told he would not lead the nation into the Land, Moshe's primary focus was ensuring the people would have a worthy successor. Rashi emphasizes that Moshe did not plead for his own life or entry into Eretz Yisrael but instead asked Hashem to appoint a leader "who will go out before them and come in before them" (Bamidbar 27:17).

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Pinchas 11) highlights that Moshe's dialogue with Hashem here reflects his role as the faithful shepherd of Israel, unwilling to abandon his flock even in his final moments.
  • The Sifrei (Bamidbar 138) teaches that Moshe's phrasing "אֶל־יְהוָה" (to the Lord) indicates he spoke directly and intimately, as one would converse with a close friend, underscoring his unique relationship with the Divine.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 1:54), the Rambam explains that Moshe's ability to speak to Hashem in this manner exemplifies the highest level of nevuah (prophecy), where the prophet communicates with clarity and without intermediary. This verse reinforces Moshe's unparalleled prophetic stature.

Halachic and Leadership Lessons

The Or HaChaim (Bamidbar 27:15) derives from this verse that a true leader must prioritize the community's welfare above personal interests. Moshe's selflessness sets a timeless model for Jewish leadership, teaching that the role of a roeh Yisrael (shepherd of Israel) demands complete dedication to the people's spiritual and physical needs.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Moshe spoke to Hashem in Numbers 27:15?
A: This verse shows Moshe's close relationship with Hashem, where he could speak directly to G-d at any time. Rashi explains that this demonstrates Moshe's humility - even though he was the greatest prophet, he still approached Hashem respectfully to ask about who would lead after him.
Q: Why is Moshe speaking to Hashem important in this verse?
A: This moment is important because it shows Moshe's concern for the Jewish people's future leadership. The Talmud (Bava Batra 75a) teaches that a true leader worries about the community's needs even when dealing with personal matters (as Moshe knew he would soon pass away).
Q: What can we learn from how Moshe spoke to Hashem in this verse?
A: We learn two key lessons: 1) We should always approach Hashem with proper respect, as Moshe did by saying 'saying' (lēmor) which the Midrash explains shows careful speech. 2) We should be concerned about future generations, as Moshe was about who would lead after him.