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Numbers 15:37 - Tzitzit: Divine reminder commandments

Numbers 15:37 - במדבר 15:37

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר׃

English Translation

And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying,

Transliteration

Vayomer Adonai el-Moshe lemor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר׃
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Divine Communication to Moshe

The verse "וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר" ("And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying") appears frequently in the Torah as an introduction to Hashem's commandments or revelations to Moshe Rabbeinu. Rashi (Shemot 6:2) notes that this phrasing emphasizes the direct and clear transmission of divine instruction, distinguishing Moshe's prophecy from that of other prophets, who often received messages through visions or allegories.

The Significance of "לֵּאמֹר"

The term "לֵּאמֹר" ("saying") is interpreted by the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 28:6) as an instruction for Moshe to relay the message to Bnei Yisrael. Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) explains that Moshe's role as the intermediary was unique—his prophecy was not for personal enlightenment but to convey Hashem's will to the nation.

Moshe's Unique Prophetic Stature

  • The Talmud (Yevamos 49b) teaches that Moshe's prophecy was unparalleled, as he communicated with Hashem "פֶּה אֶל פֶּה" ("mouth to mouth"), in a state of complete clarity and wakefulness.
  • Ramban (Bamidbar 12:6) elaborates that while other prophets experienced prophecy in dreams or riddles, Moshe received divine communication directly, as reflected in this recurring phrase.

Theological Implications

This verse underscores the foundational Jewish belief in Torah min HaShamayim (the divine origin of the Torah). The Mechilta (Bo, Parshah 1) highlights that every commandment transmitted through Moshe carries the authority of Hashem's direct word, reinforcing the binding nature of mitzvos for Klal Yisrael.

📚 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 command or teaching to Moshe (Moses) to transmit to the Jewish people. Rashi explains that this wording emphasizes the precision with which Moshe conveyed Hashem's words to Israel.
Q: Why does the Torah repeat this phrase so often?
A: The repetition teaches us that every communication from Hashem to Moshe was significant and intentional. The Talmud (Yoma 4b) notes that this phrasing shows Moshe's humility - he didn't add or subtract anything from Hashem's words, but transmitted them exactly as received.
Q: What can we learn from how Hashem spoke to Moshe?
A: We learn about the importance of clear communication in transmitting Torah. Rambam (Maimonides) explains in his introduction to Mishneh Torah that Moshe served as the perfect conduit for Divine wisdom, showing us the need for proper teachers to preserve Torah tradition accurately.
Q: Does Hashem still speak to people like He spoke to Moshe?
A: The Torah (Devarim 34:10) states that no prophet like Moshe has arisen since, who spoke to Hashem 'face to face.' While we have other forms of divine communication (like through Torah study and proper rabbinic guidance), the direct prophecy of Moshe was unique and ended with him.
Q: How does this verse apply to our lives today?
A: It reminds us that our Torah tradition comes directly from Hashem through an unbroken chain from Moshe. The Midrash (Sifrei) teaches that this establishes the authenticity of Torah she'ba'al Peh (Oral Torah) which Moshe received at Sinai alongside the written Torah.