| 15. Linguistic Exegesis The verse begins with the vav-consecutive clause {וַיֹּאמֶר | wayyōmer} ‘and He said’, signaling direct divine speech. The interrogative particle {מַה־ | máh} ‘what?’ introduces a rhetorical question that heightens urgency. The verb {תִּצְעַק | tiṣʿāq} ‘you cry out’ (Qal imperfect) emphasizes Moses’ vocal plea, followed by the prepositional suffix {אֵלָי | ʾêlāy} ‘to me’, underscoring the direct communication. The Piel imperative {דַּבֵּר | dabbēr} ‘speak’ shifts the initiative to Moses as mediator. The construct phrase {בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל | bənei-yiśrāʾēl} ‘sons of Israel’ defines the covenant community, and the subsequent vav-consecutive {וְיִסָּעוּ | wəyiśśāʿû} ‘and let them set out’ directs collective action. Hebrew syntax places the verb forms at the outset for emphasis, requiring reordering in English to convey the sequence of divine command, mediated instruction, and communal response. |