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Numbers 6:22 - Divine instruction to Moshe

Numbers 6:22 - במדבר 6:22

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

Introduction to Divine Communication

The phrase "וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר" ("And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying") appears frequently in the Torah, introducing direct communication from Hashem to Moshe Rabbeinu. Rashi (on Shemot 6:2) explains that this expression signifies a clear and direct transmission of divine commandments, often with the intention that Moshe should relay them to Bnei Yisrael.

The Nature of Hashem's Speech

The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:34) discusses the uniqueness of Moshe's prophecy, emphasizing that his communication with Hashem was distinct from all other prophets. Unlike other nevi'im who received messages through visions or allegories, Moshe heard Hashem's words directly and with absolute clarity ("פה אל פה אדבר בו", Bamidbar 12:8).

The Significance of "לֵּאמֹר"

The term "לֵּאמֹר" ("saying") is interpreted in multiple ways by Chazal:

  • Rashi (Bereishit 1:1) explains that it indicates Moshe was commanded to transmit the message to others, usually to Bnei Yisrael or Aharon.
  • The Sforno (Shemot 25:1) adds that it implies the words were to be repeated verbatim, without alteration.
  • The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 28:6) teaches that this phrasing underscores the eternal nature of Torah—these words were not only for that generation but for all future generations as well.

Moshe's Unique Role

The Talmud (Yevamot 49b) elaborates on Moshe's unparalleled prophetic stature, stating that while other prophets experienced prophecy through a dimmed lens ("אספקלריא שאינה מאירה"), Moshe received it with perfect clarity ("אספקלריא המאירה"). This verse thus highlights the foundational principle that the entire Torah was transmitted through Moshe with divine precision.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that 'the Lord spoke to Moshe'?
A: This phrase appears frequently in the Torah to indicate that Hashem communicated directly with Moshe, our teacher, to give him commandments or instructions for the Jewish people. According to Rashi, this emphasizes the divine origin of the Torah's laws.
Q: Why does the Torah keep repeating 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe'?
A: The repetition teaches us that every commandment in the Torah comes directly from Hashem. As Rambam explains in his principles of faith, Moshe received the entire Torah from Hashem - nothing was added by his own initiative. Each repetition reinforces this fundamental belief.
Q: What can we learn from how Hashem spoke to Moshe?
A: We learn about the special relationship between Hashem and Moshe. The Midrash teaches that Moshe was the greatest prophet who ever lived, and that Hashem spoke to him 'face to face' (Deuteronomy 34:10). This sets the standard for divine prophecy in Judaism.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us that the Torah we have today is the exact same Torah given to Moshe at Sinai. As Orthodox Jews, we believe in the divine origin and unchanging nature of the Torah's commandments, as transmitted through Moshe our teacher.
Q: Why does it say 'saying' after 'the Lord spoke to Moshe'?
A: Rashi explains that the word 'saying' (לאמר) means that Moshe was commanded to repeat these words to the Jewish people. This teaches us about Moshe's role as the faithful transmitter of Hashem's word to the nation.