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Numbers 34:1 - Divine borders for Israel's land

Numbers 34:1 - במדבר 34:1

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, introducing divine commandments and revelations. Rashi (on Shemot 6:2) notes that this phrasing emphasizes the direct and clear communication between Hashem and Moshe, distinguishing Moshe's prophecy from that of other prophets, who often received messages through visions or allegories.

The Significance of "לֵּאמֹר" ("Saying")

The word "לֵּאמֹר" is interpreted by the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 28:6) as an instruction for Moshe to relay the divine words exactly as they were given, without adding or omitting anything. Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) elaborates that this underscores the principle of Torah MiSinai—the divine origin and unchanging nature of the Torah's commandments.

Moshe's Unique Prophetic Role

  • The Talmud (Yevamos 49b) teaches that Moshe was the only prophet who communicated with Hashem "face to face" (בפנים מאירות ובפנים שוחקות), a level of clarity unmatched by other prophets.
  • Ramban (on Bamidbar 12:6) explains that this direct speech ("וַיְדַבֵּר") reflects Moshe's unparalleled prophetic stature, as he served as the intermediary for transmitting the Torah to Bnei Yisrael.

Theological Implications

The Sforno (on Shemot 6:10) highlights that this phrasing reinforces the belief in Torah Min HaShamayim (the divine origin of the Torah). The consistent use of this language throughout the Torah serves as a reminder that every mitzvah stems from Hashem's direct will, not human interpretation.

📚 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 34:1?
A: This phrase is a common introduction in the Torah indicating that Hashem is giving a direct commandment or instruction to Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses our teacher). Rashi explains that this wording emphasizes the divine origin of the commandments and the precise way Moshe transmitted them to the Jewish people.
Q: Why does the Torah repeat 'saying' after 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe'?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 4b) teaches that the double language of 'speaking' and 'saying' indicates that Moshe was commanded to repeat these words to the leaders of Israel (the Sanhedrin) and then to the entire nation. This shows the careful transmission of Torah from Hashem to all of Israel.
Q: What can we learn from how Hashem speaks to Moshe in this verse?
A: The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches in his introduction to Mishneh Torah that this phrasing shows the authenticity of prophecy - that Moshe received clear, direct communication from Hashem. It also teaches us about the importance of proper transmission of Torah knowledge from teacher to student.
Q: Why is this introductory phrase important in the Torah?
A: This standard introduction (found over 80 times in the Torah) establishes the divine authority behind the commandments. The Midrash (Sifrei) notes that each time this phrase appears, it introduces new laws or important information that Moshe was commanded to teach the Jewish people.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us that all Torah commandments come directly from Hashem. The Meshech Chochmah explains that just as Moshe faithfully transmitted Hashem's words, we must be careful to learn and observe the mitzvot exactly as they were given, maintaining the chain of tradition from Sinai until today.