Why the Holy One Both Called and Spoke to Moses

Yalkut Shimoni on Torah 428:2

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And He called to Moses" (Leviticus 1:1). But to Adam He did not call, for it is written, "And the LORD God called to the man" (Genesis 3:9); yet there is no disgrace for a king to speak with his tenant farmer. "And the LORD spoke to him"; and with Noah He did not first call, for it is written, "And God spoke to Noah" (Genesis 8:15); yet there is no disgrace for a king to speak with his herdsman. "And He called to Moses" - but to Abraham He did not call, for it is written, "And the angel of the LORD called to Abraham" (Genesis 22:15); yet there is no disgrace for a king to speak with his innkeeper. "And He called to Moses" - and not as with Abraham. Concerning Abraham it is written, "And the angel of the LORD called to Abraham," the angel calls and the Speech speaks; but here the Holy One, blessed be He, said: I am the One who calls and I am the One who speaks, as it is said, "I, even I, have spoken; indeed I have called him; I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosper" (Isaiah 48:15).

Themes

MosesProphecyTorah

Continue Reading

Life of Adam and EveAdam Is Taken Into ParadiseOne such story, preserved in Vita Adae et Evae (The Life of Adam and Eve), tells of a remarkable vision. It's a bit obscure, not as well-known as other heavenlyBook of JubileesThe First TorahThe familiar picture has Moses on Mount Sinai, receiving the divine word directly from God. Forty days and forty nights of dictation. But what if I told you theTestament of AbrahamThe Descent Of The Light-manOne particularly striking tale, found in Tree of Souls by Howard Schwartz, tells of a dream that Isaac, son of Abraham, experienced. This wasn't just any dream;The Book of Maccabees IIFaith of JeremiahThe story centers around the prophet Jeremiah, a towering figure in Jewish tradition, known for his prophecies and lamentations. That Jeremiah, deeply concernedBook of JasherJacob Refuses to Send Benjamin to EgyptJoseph, after some theatrics and accusations, has now demanded they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, back to Egypt as proof of their honesty. But gettingBook of JasherBirth of Amram of PharaohThere are so many fascinating texts that offer different perspectives and details on familiar narratives. a chapter from one of these books: the Book of Jasher.