Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean when the Torah says 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying'?
A: This phrase appears frequently in the Torah to indicate that Hashem is giving a direct commandment or instruction to Moshe (Moses) to transmit to the Jewish people. Rashi explains that this wording emphasizes the precision with which Moshe conveyed G-d's words to Israel.
Q: Why does the Torah repeat 'saying' after 'spoke'?
A: The double language of 'spoke... saying' teaches that Moshe was to repeat these words exactly to the Jewish people. The Talmud (Yoma 4b) explains this repetition shows Moshe's role as the faithful transmitter of G-d's commandments to Israel.
Q: How is this introduction different from other times the Torah introduces commandments?
A: Sometimes the Torah says 'Hashem spoke to Moshe and Aharon,' while here it mentions only Moshe. Ramban explains that when only Moshe is mentioned, it indicates this communication was specifically for him to teach the people, while inclusion of Aharon indicates his direct involvement in the matter.
Q: What can we learn from how G-d communicated with Moshe?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei) teaches that the precise wording shows the great care with which divine communication occurred. This teaches us the importance of carefully transmitting Torah teachings exactly as we receive them, without adding or subtracting.
Q: Why is it important that the Torah records these introductory phrases?
A: The Rambam (Introduction to Mishneh Torah) explains that these phrases establish the divine origin of all Torah commandments. By documenting each communication, the Torah shows that every mitzvah comes directly from G-d through Moshe, giving them eternal validity.
The Divine Communication to Moshe
The phrase "וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר" ("And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying") appears frequently in the Torah, marking the transmission of divine commandments and teachings. Rashi (Shemot 6:2) explains that this expression signifies a clear and direct communication from Hashem to Moshe, distinguishing it from other forms of prophecy, which may be conveyed through visions or dreams (Bamidbar 12:6-8). Moshe's unique level of prophecy, known as "אספקלריה המאירה" ("a clear lens"), allowed him to receive the word of Hashem with unparalleled clarity.
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 divine message to Bnei Yisrael. The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) emphasizes that Moshe served as the intermediary to transmit Torah to the people, ensuring the preservation of its authenticity. This underscores the principle of "משה קיבל תורה מסיני ומסרה ליהושע" ("Moshe received the Torah from Sinai and transmitted it to Yehoshua")—the unbroken chain of Torah transmission (Pirkei Avos 1:1).
The Nature of Divine Speech
The Talmud (Yoma 4b) discusses whether the phrase implies audible speech or a transcendent form of communication beyond human perception. The Ramban (Bereishis 18:1) suggests that divine speech transcends physical sound, as Hashem has no corporeal form (Yesodei HaTorah 1:7-9). Instead, Moshe perceived the divine will in a manner beyond ordinary human experience, reinforcing the Torah's divine origin.