The phrase "Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying," from Numbers 35:9, is a common formula used throughout the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) to introduce a divine command, instruction, or law given by God (Yahweh) to the Israelites through Moses. Let's break it down:
Yahweh: This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. Using the specific name "Yahweh" signifies a direct and personal communication from God to Moses.
spoke: This indicates a verbal communication. God is actively engaging with Moses and delivering a message. It's not just an idea or feeling, but a clear instruction.
to Moses: Moses is the key figure in this interaction. He is the prophet, leader, and mediator between God and the Israelites. God chooses Moses to receive and transmit these instructions.
saying: This signals the beginning of the specific message or command that God is about to deliver. It serves as an introduction to the content that follows.
In essence, this verse signifies a direct divine communication to Moses, establishing the authority and importance of the subsequent instructions. It assures the reader that the following commands or laws originate from God and are to be obeyed by the Israelites.
Context within Numbers 35:9:
In Numbers 35, this verse introduces instructions about designating cities of refuge for those who unintentionally killed someone. By prefacing these instructions with "Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying," the text emphasizes the divine origin of the law and its importance for the Israelites' legal and social framework.
The phrase "Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying," from Numbers 35:9, is a common formula used throughout the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) to introduce a divine command, instruction, or law given by God (Yahweh) to the Israelites through Moses. Let's break it down:
Yahweh: This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. Using the specific name "Yahweh" signifies a direct and personal communication from God to Moses.
spoke: This indicates a verbal communication. God is actively engaging with Moses and delivering a message. It's not just an idea or feeling, but a clear instruction.
to Moses: Moses is the key figure in this interaction. He is the prophet, leader, and mediator between God and the Israelites. God chooses Moses to receive and transmit these instructions.
saying: This signals the beginning of the specific message or command that God is about to deliver. It serves as an introduction to the content that follows.
In essence, this verse signifies a direct divine communication to Moses, establishing the authority and importance of the subsequent instructions. It assures the reader that the following commands or laws originate from God and are to be obeyed by the Israelites.
Context within Numbers 35:9:
In Numbers 35, this verse introduces instructions about designating cities of refuge for those who unintentionally killed someone. By prefacing these instructions with "Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying," the text emphasizes the divine origin of the law and its importance for the Israelites' legal and social framework.