1)

Why did he say so to Hashem?

1.

Radak: How do You send me to them to speak via a Mashal? When I do so, e.g. the previous Meshalim, of the great Nesher (17:3) and "Imecha cha'Gefen b'Damecha" (19:10), they say?

2.

Malbim: They say that I speak Meshalim and matters without explanation. They do not heed my words. The Rambam says that a condition of absolute Nevu'ah is that there are not in it Meshalim and riddles 1 . The multitude of Meshalim shows that imagination is overpowering, and the Nevu'ah is sporadic. Then he sees via windows and covers, like one who sees from afar.


1

Moreh ha'Nevuchim 2:45 lists 11 levels of Nevu'ah; the highest three do not have Meshalim. (PF)

2)

Why did they say "Memashel Meshalim Hu"?

1.

Rashi: I prophesized to them via parables and riddles, e.g. a forest, and a fire consuming moist and dry.

2.

Radak: They say 'he speaks Meshalim, and it is not via Nevu'ah. He wants to show that he knows to give Meshalim. Therefore, Hashem repeated the matter clearly, without a Mashal.

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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