| 3. Linguistic Exegesis The verse follows a VSO pattern, opened by the vav-consecutive verb vayishlach {וַיִּשְׁלַח | və-yiš-lāḥ}, which foregrounds the act of sending. The direct object phrase otam Mosheh {אֹתָם מֹשֶׁה | ʾō-tām mō-šē} introduces Moses as agent. Geographic origin is marked by the construct chain mimmidbar Paran {מִמִּדְבַּר פָּארָן | mimmid-bār pā-ʾā-rān}, linking wilderness and place. The phrase al-pi Yahweh {עַל־פִּי יְהוָה | al-pī yə-hō-wāh} functions as a genitive construct expressing divine authorization and causal relation. The quantifier phrase kullam anashim {כֻּלָּם אֲנָשִׁים | kul-lām ʾă-nā-šîm} conveys totality and gender. Finally, the appositional clause rashei benei-Yisrael hemmah {רָאשֵׁי בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל הֵמָּה | rā-šê bə-nê yis-rā-ʾêl hēmmāh} specifies social rank, with hemmah reinforcing identity. The structure centers divine command and highlights the leadership status of the delegates. |