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Leviticus 6:12 - Divine fire burns eternally.

Leviticus 6:12 - ויקרא 6:12

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

Understanding the Phrase "וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר"

This verse, which appears frequently in the Torah, introduces divine communication between Hashem and Moshe Rabbeinu. The phrase "וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר" ("And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying") serves as a foundational formula for conveying mitzvot and divine instruction.

Rashi's Commentary on the Phrase

Rashi (on Shemot 6:2) explains that the term "וַיְדַבֵּר" ("and He spoke") indicates a strong and clear communication, often used for commandments that are to be transmitted with urgency or severity. The addition of "לֵּאמֹר" ("saying") implies that Moshe was to relay these words to Bnei Yisrael, emphasizing his role as the intermediary.

Rambam's Perspective on Divine Communication

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:65), Rambam discusses the nature of divine speech, clarifying that when the Torah states "וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה," it refers to a form of communication unique to prophecy, which Moshe experienced at the highest level (as described in Bamidbar 12:6-8). Unlike other prophets, Moshe received divine words clearly and directly, without allegory or dream-like states.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 28:6) highlights the significance of Moshe being the recipient of divine speech, noting that this phrase underscores his unique status as the greatest of all prophets. The Midrash contrasts this with other prophets, who often received visions or parables, whereas Moshe heard Hashem's words with absolute clarity.

Key Themes in Traditional Interpretation

  • Clarity of Transmission: The phrase emphasizes the direct and unambiguous nature of Moshe's prophecy, distinguishing it from other forms of divine communication.
  • Moshe's Unique Role: As the primary conduit for Torah, Moshe's interactions with Hashem set the standard for all subsequent halachic transmission.
  • Divine Command Structure: The inclusion of "לֵּאמֹר" indicates a chain of transmission—from Hashem to Moshe, and from Moshe to the people.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying' mean in Leviticus 6:12?
A: This phrase introduces a divine commandment from Hashem to Moshe. In Jewish tradition, every time the Torah says 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe,' it emphasizes that the following words are direct divine instruction that Moshe transmitted to the Jewish people (Rashi on Leviticus 1:1).
Q: Why does the Torah keep repeating 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe'?
A: The repetition teaches us that each commandment is equally important and comes directly from Hashem. The Talmud (Yoma 4a) explains that this phrasing shows that Moshe didn't add or subtract anything - he transmitted God's words exactly as he received them.
Q: What can we learn from the way God spoke to Moshe?
A: We learn about the special relationship between Hashem and Moshe. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains in his introduction to Mishneh Torah that Moshe achieved the highest level of prophecy, where God spoke to him 'face to face' (Deuteronomy 34:10), making him uniquely qualified to receive and transmit the Torah.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This teaches us that the Torah's commandments are divine and eternal. The Midrash (Sifra) explains that even though Moshe received these words long ago, they apply to all generations. When we study Torah, we're connecting to the same divine communication that Moshe received.
Q: Why does it say 'saying' after 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe'?
A: Rashi explains that the word 'saying' (לאמר) means Moshe was commanded to repeat these words to the Jewish people. This teaches us about the chain of transmission - from God to Moshe to the nation (Mechilta on Exodus 19:7).