Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 8:15 mean when it says 'And God spoke to Noaĥ, saying'?
A: This verse marks the moment when God begins communicating directly with Noaĥ after the flood, instructing him to leave the ark. According to Rashi, this shows God's compassion—He didn't just command Noaĥ to enter the ark (Genesis 7:1), but also personally told him when it was safe to exit.
Q: Why is God speaking to Noaĥ in Genesis 8:15 important?
A: This communication is significant because it demonstrates God's ongoing relationship with humanity even after the flood. The Rambam teaches that prophecy requires preparation—Noaĥ was worthy of divine communication because of his righteousness (Genesis 6:9). This verse shows God re-establishing that connection post-flood.
Q: What can we learn from God speaking to Noaĥ in this verse?
A: The Midrash teaches that God's personal communication with Noaĥ models how we should care for others. Just as God didn't abandon Noaĥ in the ark but gave him direct instructions, we too should personally attend to people's needs rather than leaving them to figure things out alone.
Q: How does Genesis 8:15 apply to our lives today?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 7a) derives from such verses that prayer should follow God's model of clear communication. Just as God spoke to Noaĥ 'saying' (with clear intention), our prayers and conversations should be deliberate and meaningful rather than rushed or automatic.
Q: Why does the Torah specify that God spoke to Noaĥ 'saying'?
A: Rashi explains that the word 'saying' (לֵאמֹר) indicates these words were meant to be conveyed to others—in this case, Noaĥ's family. This teaches that divine messages often have communal importance, not just personal significance, as the rebuilding of humanity depended on their collective action.
The Divine Communication with Noach
The verse "וַיְדַבֵּר אֱלֹהִים אֶל־נֹחַ לֵאמֹר" (And God spoke to Noach, saying) marks the beginning of a critical dialogue between Hashem and Noach before the flood. Rashi (Bereishit 6:13) notes that this communication follows Noach's righteousness being acknowledged in the previous verses, indicating that divine speech is a response to Noach's merit.
The Significance of "אֱלֹהִים"
The use of the name אֱלֹהִים (Elokim) here, rather than the Tetragrammaton (ה׳), is interpreted by many commentators, including the Ramban (Bereishit 6:9), as reflecting the attribute of Din (strict justice). This aligns with the context of the impending flood, a decree of judgment upon the corrupt generation.
The Phrase "לֵאמֹר" (Saying)
The term "לֵאמֹר" is often understood by Chazal (Sifrei Bamidbar 7:89) to imply that Noach was to relay Hashem's message to others. However, the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 30:7) suggests that in this case, Noach did not effectively rebuke his generation, highlighting a contrast to Avraham Avinu, who actively sought to influence others.
Lessons from the Verse