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Numbers 7:89 - Divine voice between keruvim speaks.

Numbers 7:89 - במדבר 7:89

Hebrew Text

וּבְבֹא מֹשֶׁה אֶל־אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד לְדַבֵּר אִתּוֹ וַיִּשְׁמַע אֶת־הַקּוֹל מִדַּבֵּר אֵלָיו מֵעַל הַכַּפֹּרֶת אֲשֶׁר עַל־אֲרֹן הָעֵדֻת מִבֵּין שְׁנֵי הַכְּרֻבִים וַיְדַבֵּר אֵלָיו׃

English Translation

And when Moshe was gone into the Tent of Meeting to speak with Him, then he heard the voice speaking to him from off the covering that was upon the ark of Testimony, from between the two keruvim: and it spoke to him.

Transliteration

Uvvo Moshe el-ohael moed ledaber ito vayishma et-hakol midaber elav me'al hakaporet asher al-aron ha'edut mibein shnei hakeruvim vayedaber elav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבְבֹ֨א מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶל־אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵד֮ לְדַבֵּ֣ר אִתּוֹ֒ וַיִּשְׁמַ֨ע אֶת־הַקּ֜וֹל מִדַּבֵּ֣ר אֵלָ֗יו מֵעַ֤ל הַכַּפֹּ֙רֶת֙ אֲשֶׁר֙ עַל־אֲרֹ֣ן הָעֵדֻ֔ת מִבֵּ֖ין שְׁנֵ֣י הַכְּרֻבִ֑ים וַיְדַבֵּ֖ר אֵלָֽיו׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וּבְבֹ֨א מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶל־אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵד֮ לְדַבֵּ֣ר אִתּוֹ֒ וַיִּשְׁמַ֨ע אֶת־הַקּ֜וֹל מִדַּבֵּ֣ר אֵלָ֗יו מֵעַ֤ל הַכַּפֹּ֙רֶת֙ אֲשֶׁר֙ עַל־אֲרֹ֣ן הָעֵדֻ֔ת מִבֵּ֖ין שְׁנֵ֣י הַכְּרֻבִ֑ים וַיְדַבֵּ֖ר אֵלָֽיו׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

The Divine Voice Between the Keruvim

The verse describes Moshe Rabbeinu entering the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting) to commune with Hashem, where he heard the Divine Voice emanating from between the two keruvim atop the Aron HaEdut (Ark of the Testimony). This phenomenon represents the unique prophetic communication between Hashem and Moshe, as explained by Rashi (Bamidbar 7:89) who notes this was the manner in which Hashem spoke with Moshe throughout their dialogues.

The Keruvim as Symbols of Divine Relationship

The Talmud (Yoma 54b) teaches that the keruvim were arranged facing one another when Bnei Yisrael fulfilled Hashem's will, symbolizing the loving relationship between Hakadosh Baruch Hu and Klal Yisrael. Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:45) explains that the keruvim served as physical representations of Divine providence and the channel through which prophetic inspiration flowed to Moshe.

The Unique Nature of Moshe's Prophecy

  • Clarity of Communication: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 12:4) emphasizes that Moshe alone heard the Divine Voice clearly from between the keruvim, unlike other prophets who received visions or parables.
  • Direct Connection: Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) describes this as the highest level of prophecy, where Moshe communicated with Hashem "face to face" without intermediary visions or dreams.
  • Continuous Access: The Sforno notes that Moshe could initiate this Divine dialogue at any time, unlike other prophets who only received prophecy when Hashem chose to reveal Himself to them.

The Kapores as the Throne of Divine Speech

The Kli Yakar (Shemos 25:22) explains that the kapores (covering) served as the metaphorical throne from which Hashem's word emanated, with the keruvim functioning as the "attendants" to this throne. This aligns with the description in Divrei HaYamim (1 28:18) of the keruvim as the "chariot" of the Divine Presence.

The Significance of the Ark's Location

The Aron HaEdut's position in the Kodesh HaKodashim, from where the voice emanated, teaches that true Divine communication comes from the holiest place, as noted by the Malbim. This reflects the principle that authentic prophecy requires supreme levels of kedusha (holiness) and tahara (purity).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 54b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the positioning of the keruvim and the divine voice emanating from between them.
📖 Sukkah 5b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the divine presence and how it communicated with Moses from between the keruvim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 7:89 teach us about how G-d spoke to Moshe?
A: Numbers 7:89 describes that when Moshe entered the Tent of Meeting (Ohel Moed), he heard G-d's voice speaking to him from between the two keruvim (cherubim) on the Ark's cover. According to Rashi, this shows that the Divine Presence (Shechinah) rested specifically in that sacred space between the keruvim, and Moshe received prophecy there in a uniquely clear way.
Q: Why did G-d speak to Moshe from between the keruvim?
A: The keruvim on the Ark's cover symbolized the relationship between G-d and Israel (Talmud Yoma 54b). The Midrash explains that their faces were turned toward each other when Israel followed G-d's will (Shemot Rabbah 33:1). G-d spoke from between them to show that His presence dwells among His people when they are devoted to Torah and mitzvot.
Q: What is the significance of the Ark of Testimony in this verse?
A: The Ark (Aron HaEdut) contained the Tablets of the Covenant, representing the eternal bond between G-d and Israel. Rambam teaches that the Ark was the focal point of holiness in the Mishkan (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 4:1). G-d's voice emanating from above it emphasizes that Torah is the foundation of our connection to the Divine.
Q: How does this verse relate to prayer today?
A: Just as Moshe approached the Divine Presence in the Mishkan, we direct our prayers toward the site of the Temple (Berachot 30a). The keruvim teach that sincere prayer requires unity among Jews (face to face) and humility (the keruvim had childlike faces). Today, even without the Mishkan, we can connect to G-d through Torah study and prayer with proper intention.
Q: What does it mean that Moshe heard G-d's voice 'speaking to him'?
A: Rashi explains this emphasizes the personal nature of Moshe's prophecy - G-d spoke directly to him in clear communication (not through dreams or visions). The Sifrei notes this was unique to Moshe's level of prophecy (Devarim 34:10). It teaches that true leadership requires constant connection to Divine wisdom.