Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying' mean in Numbers 5:5?
A: This phrase is a common introduction in the Torah indicating that Hashem is giving a new commandment or instruction to Moshe (Moses) 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 Talmud (Yoma 4b) teaches that the word 'saying' (לֵּאמֹר) means Moshe should repeat these words to others - in this case, to the Jewish people. The Ramban adds that this teaches us about the chain of transmission, showing that Moshe faithfully conveyed exactly what he heard from Hashem.
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 that every divine communication was significant and that Moshe approached each one with the same reverence and attention, whether it contained major laws or minor details.
Q: What can we learn from how Hashem spoke to Moshe?
A: The Sages teach that this shows the intimate relationship between Hashem and Moshe. Unlike other prophets who received visions, Moshe heard Hashem's words clearly (Bamidbar Rabbah 14:24). This also models how we should communicate - clearly and directly when transmitting Torah teachings to others.
Q: Why is Moshe mentioned by name here instead of just saying 'to him'?
A: Rashi explains that mentioning Moshe by name each time shows Hashem's affection for him. The Midrash Tanchuma adds that it also emphasizes Moshe's unique role - while other prophets received temporary messages, Moshe was in constant communication with Hashem to receive the eternal Torah for the Jewish people.
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. Rashi (Shemot 6:2) notes that this expression emphasizes the clarity and directness of Hashem's communication with Moshe, distinguishing it from other forms of prophecy, which may come through visions or dreams (Bamidbar 12:6-8).
The Significance of "לֵּאמֹר"
The word "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 transmitted without alteration, unlike other prophets who received messages in allegorical forms.
Moshe's Unique Prophetic Stature
Contextual Meaning in the Torah
Ibn Ezra (Shemot 20:1) observes that this phrasing often introduces commandments of paramount importance, such as the Aseres HaDibros. The Ohr HaChaim (Vayikra 1:1) adds that each instance of divine speech to Moshe reflects a new level of revelation, tailored to the spiritual needs of the moment.