Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'And the Lord spoke to me, saying' mean in Deuteronomy 2:2?
A: This phrase indicates that Moshe (Moses) is relaying a direct communication from Hashem (G-d) to the Jewish people. According to Rashi, this emphasizes that Moshe was a true prophet who conveyed G-d's words accurately and faithfully.
Q: Why is it important that the verse says 'the Lord spoke to me'?
A: This wording highlights the unique relationship between Moshe and Hashem. The Rambam explains in Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah that Moshe's prophecy was on a higher level than all other prophets, as he spoke to G-d 'face to face' (Deuteronomy 34:10). This verse reinforces that authority.
Q: What can we learn from how Moshe transmits G-d's words in this verse?
A: We learn the importance of faithfully transmitting Torah teachings exactly as received. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 99a) teaches that Moshe was careful to say exactly what G-d commanded, setting an example for all Torah teachers to be precise in their transmission of Jewish law and tradition.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have prophecy like Moshe, this verse reminds us that our Torah comes directly from Hashem. As the Rambam writes in his 13 Principles of Faith, we believe the entire Torah was given through Moshe. This gives us confidence in the divine origin of our commandments.
Q: Why does the Torah repeat 'saying' after 'spoke to me'?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei) explains the double language teaches that Moshe was commanded to repeat these words to the people. This reflects the Jewish tradition of mesorah - carefully passing teachings from generation to generation without alteration, ensuring the preservation of Torah truth.
The Divine Communication
The phrase "וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֵלַי לֵאמֹר" ("And the Lord spoke to me, saying") appears frequently in Tanach, particularly in the books of the prophets. According to Rashi (Devarim 2:17), this formulation emphasizes that the words spoken are not the prophet's own but are a direct transmission from Hashem. The term "לֵאמֹר" ("saying") often indicates that the prophet is to relay the message to others, as explained by the Malbim in his commentary on Yeshayahu.
Structure of Prophetic Revelation
The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) teaches that prophetic revelation occurs in a specific manner: Hashem communicates with the prophet in a clear, audible way, distinct from dreams or visions. The phrase "וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֵלַי" underscores this direct communication. The Ibn Ezra (Bamidbar 12:6) adds that this phrasing is reserved for the highest level of prophecy, where the prophet hears the Divine word with absolute clarity.
The Role of the Prophet