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Numbers 15:1 - Divine command to Moshe

Numbers 15:1 - במדבר 15:1

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 (Shemot 6:2) notes that this phrasing emphasizes the direct and clear communication between Hashem and Moshe, distinguishing it from other forms of prophecy, which may be conveyed through visions or allegories.

The Significance of "לֵּאמֹר" (Saying)

The word "לֵּאמֹר" indicates that Moshe was to relay the message to Bnei Yisrael. Ramban (Bereishit 1:1) explains that this term underscores Moshe's role as the intermediary, faithfully transmitting Hashem's words without alteration. The Talmud (Yoma 4b) further teaches that every divine communication to Moshe included the instruction to teach it to the people.

The Unique Prophecy of Moshe

  • Clear and Direct: Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) emphasizes that Moshe's prophecy was unparalleled, as he received divine communication "face to face" (Bamidbar 12:8), without intermediaries or obscurity.
  • Consistency: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 28:6) highlights that every instance of "וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה" reflects the unchanging clarity of Moshe's prophetic connection.

Theological Implications

This verse reinforces the foundation of Torah MiSinai—the belief that the entire Torah was transmitted directly from Hashem to Moshe. The Sforno (Shemot 19:7) explains that the repetitive use of this phrase throughout the Torah serves to validate the divine origin of every mitzvah, ensuring that no commandment is perceived as Moshe's own words.

📚 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 Numbers 15:1?
A: This phrase is a common introduction in the Torah, indicating that Hashem is giving a new commandment or instruction to Moshe to transmit to the Jewish people. Rashi explains that this wording emphasizes the divine origin of the commandments and Moshe's role as the faithful transmitter of Hashem's word.
Q: Why does the Torah repeat 'saying' after 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe'?
A: The double language of 'spoke... saying' teaches us that Moshe was commanded to repeat these words exactly to the Jewish people. The Talmud (Yoma 4b) learns from this that a messenger must faithfully deliver the exact message he was given to convey.
Q: What is the significance of how G-d speaks to Moshe in the Torah?
A: The Rambam explains in Moreh Nevuchim that when the Torah says 'And Hashem spoke to Moshe,' it refers to prophecy of the highest level, where Moshe heard G-d's words with absolute clarity. This distinguishes Moshe's prophecy from all other prophets.
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. The Midrash notes that this repetition teaches us about the constant communication between Hashem and Moshe throughout the Israelites' journey in the wilderness.
Q: What can we learn today from how Hashem spoke to Moshe?
A: We learn the importance of clear communication in transmitting Torah values. Just as Moshe faithfully conveyed Hashem's words, we must be careful in how we teach and preserve Torah traditions. The Sforno notes that this sets the model for all Torah education - transmitting the divine word with precision and care.