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Exodus 13:1 - Sanctify firstborns for Divine service

Exodus 13:1 - שמות 13:1

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 verse "וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר" ("And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying") appears frequently in the Torah, marking the transmission of divine commandments. Rashi (on Shemot 6:2) explains that this phrasing emphasizes the clarity and directness of Hashem's communication with Moshe, distinguishing it from other forms of prophecy. Unlike other prophets who received messages through visions or dreams (Bamidbar 12:6-8), Moshe heard Hashem's words "face to face," with unparalleled clarity.

The Significance of "לֵּאמֹר" ("Saying")

The word "לֵּאמֹר" is often interpreted by commentators as an instruction for Moshe to relay the message to Bnei Yisrael. The Ramban (on Bereishit 8:15) notes that this term implies a chain of transmission—Hashem speaks to Moshe, who then conveys the words to the people. The Talmud (Yoma 4b) further elaborates that every divine communication included both the original message and the command to transmit it, ensuring accuracy in transmission.

Moshe's Unique Role as Intermediary

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 28:6) highlights that Moshe's role as the primary receiver of divine speech was a singular distinction in Jewish history. The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) codifies this idea, stating that Moshe's prophecy was fundamentally different from all others, as he alone communicated with Hashem "awake and standing," without any intermediary or obscurity.

  • Rashi: Emphasizes the directness of Hashem's speech to Moshe.
  • Ramban: Explains "לֵּאמֹר" as a directive for Moshe to transmit the message.
  • Talmud (Yoma 4b): Discusses the precision required in conveying divine commandments.
  • Midrash (Shemot Rabbah): Stresses Moshe's unparalleled prophetic stature.
  • Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah): Systematizes the uniqueness of Moshe's prophecy.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean when the verse 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 instruction to Moshe (Moses) to convey to the Jewish people. Rashi explains that this wording emphasizes the importance and divine origin of the message that follows.
Q: Why does the Torah frequently repeat 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe'?
A: The repetition teaches us that every communication from Hashem to Moshe was significant and distinct. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains in Moreh Nevuchim that this phrasing shows the continuous and direct nature of prophecy, where Moshe received each commandment clearly and without confusion.
Q: What can we learn from the way Hashem speaks to Moshe in this verse?
A: We learn the importance of clear communication in transmitting Torah. The Talmud (Yevamot 14a) notes that Moshe served as the faithful messenger to deliver Hashem's word exactly as received. This sets an example for how we should teach and uphold Torah truths with precision.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have prophecy like Moshe, the verse reminds us that the Torah's commandments are divine. The Rambam writes in Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah that we must accept the authenticity of Moshe's prophecy and the eternal validity of the Torah's laws.
Q: Why does the verse say 'saying' at the end? Doesn't 'spoke' already imply speech?
A: The Midrash (Sifra) explains that 'saying' (לאמר) teaches that Moshe was commanded to repeat these words to the people. This extra word emphasizes the transmission of Torah from generation to generation, a foundational principle in Judaism.