Why does the Torah tell us that G-d called Moshe and then spoke to him? Who Is ...

Rashi: Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (1040-1105 CE), French rabbi who wrote commentaries on the Torah, the Prophets and the Talmud, lived in Troyes where he founded a yeshiva in 1067; focuses on the plain meaning (p'shat) of the text, although sometimes quite cryptic in his brevity
Rashi points out that calling and speaking are not the same: one is for getting someone's attention and the other is for communication. In his vision of the L-rd, Isaiah saw the heavenly beings in the presence of G-d, that "one called out to another and said, 'Holy ...'" (Isaiah 6:3, NASB). Rashi suggests that calling Moshe by name was a sign of G-d's favour and intimacy with Moshe, for when G-d speaks to Bil'am (Balaam) the Hebrew text uses a very similar word, , (vayikar), which is translated "G-d met Balaam" (B'Midbar 23:4, NASB). G-d is intimate with those He loves and distant with those who are evil.

Throughout history G-d has been calling people to turn to Him in repentance so that He may enter into relationship with them and forgive their sins. "'Come now, and let us reason together,' says the L-rd, 'though your sins are as scarlet, they will be white as snow'" (Isaiah 1:18, NASB). From the time that G-d first called out to Adam in the garden, "Adonai, G-d, called to the man, 'Where are you?'" (B'reisheet 3:9, CJB), G-d has been seeking and searching for men and women who will respond to His call so that He may speak to them and show them His ways.

When Yeshua started His ministry, He called a group of disciples together. "As Yeshua walked by Lake Kinneret, He saw two brothers ... Yeshua said them, 'Come after Me, and I will make you fishers for men!' At once they left their nets and went with Him. Going on from there, He saw two other brothers ... and He called them. At once they left the boat and their father and went with Yeshua" (Matthew 4:18-22, CJB). Yeshua called and the disciples responded - they went with Him - so that He could teach them about the Kingdom of G-d. Before they could hear His words about the Kingdom, they had to be in relationship with Him.

Further Study: Matthew 3:1-6; 4:12-17

Application: How is G-d speaking to you today? Are you in intimate conversation with Him or do you hear Him calling from afar? Use today to draw near to G-d and respond to His call that He may build a relationship with you.

© Jonathan Allen, 2004