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Exodus 18:21 - Leaders: God-fearing, truthful, just

Exodus 18:21 - שמות 18:21

Hebrew Text

וְאַתָּה תֶחֱזֶה מִכָּל־הָעָם אַנְשֵׁי־חַיִל יִרְאֵי אֱלֹהִים אַנְשֵׁי אֱמֶת שֹׂנְאֵי בָצַע וְשַׂמְתָּ עֲלֵהֶם שָׂרֵי אֲלָפִים שָׂרֵי מֵאוֹת שָׂרֵי חֲמִשִּׁים וְשָׂרֵי עֲשָׂרֹת׃

English Translation

Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens;

Transliteration

Ve'ata techeze mikol-ha'am anshei-chayil yirei Elohim anshei emet sonei vatza vesamta alehem sarei alafim sarei me'ot sarei chamishim vesarei asarot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאַתָּ֣ה תֶחֱזֶ֣ה מִכׇּל־הָ֠עָ֠ם אַנְשֵׁי־חַ֜יִל יִרְאֵ֧י אֱלֹהִ֛ים אַנְשֵׁ֥י אֱמֶ֖ת שֹׂ֣נְאֵי בָ֑צַע וְשַׂמְתָּ֣ עֲלֵהֶ֗ם שָׂרֵ֤י אֲלָפִים֙ שָׂרֵ֣י מֵא֔וֹת שָׂרֵ֥י חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים וְשָׂרֵ֥י עֲשָׂרֹֽת׃
וְאַתָּ֣ה תֶחֱזֶ֣ה מִכׇּל־הָ֠עָ֠ם אַנְשֵׁי־חַ֜יִל יִרְאֵ֧י אֱלֹהִ֛ים אַנְשֵׁ֥י אֱמֶ֖ת שֹׂ֣נְאֵי בָ֑צַע וְשַׂמְתָּ֣ עֲלֵהֶ֗ם שָׂרֵ֤י אֲלָפִים֙ שָׂרֵ֣י מֵא֔וֹת שָׂרֵ֥י חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים וְשָׂרֵ֥י עֲשָׂרֹֽת׃

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Parasha Commentary

Selection of Qualified Leaders

The verse (Shemot 18:21) outlines the criteria for selecting leaders to assist Moshe in judging the people. Yitro advises Moshe to choose men of exceptional character to share the burden of leadership. Rashi explains that these qualifications are progressive: first, they must be anshei chayil (able men), then yirei Elokim (God-fearing), followed by anshei emet (men of truth), and finally sonei betza (hating unjust gain). Each trait builds upon the previous one, creating a complete picture of an ideal leader.

Four Essential Qualities

  • Anshei Chayil (Able Men): The Rambam (Hilchot Sanhedrin 2:7) emphasizes that leaders must be physically and intellectually capable, with sound judgment and wisdom to handle communal matters.
  • Yirei Elokim (God-Fearing): The Talmud (Pesachim 113b) teaches that fear of Heaven ensures leaders will act justly, as they are conscious of divine accountability.
  • Anshei Emet (Men of Truth): The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:9) highlights that truth is the foundation of justice; leaders must be unwavering in their commitment to honesty.
  • Sonei Betza (Hating Unjust Gain): Ibn Ezra notes that leaders must despise corruption, as even the slightest bias can distort judgment (cf. Devarim 16:19).

Hierarchical Structure of Leadership

The verse prescribes a tiered system of leadership—sarim (officers) over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. The Mechilta explains that this structure ensures efficient governance, with smaller groups allowing for closer supervision. Ramban adds that this model reflects divine wisdom, as it distributes responsibility while maintaining order.

Practical Application

The Sforno teaches that these principles apply not only to judges but to all communal leaders. A leader’s primary role is to serve the people with integrity, as Moshe did. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) further notes that the phrase "v'samta aleihem" ("place such over them") implies that the people must accept these leaders willingly, ensuring harmonious governance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 16b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the qualifications for judges and leaders, emphasizing the importance of selecting individuals who are God-fearing, truthful, and despise dishonest gain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 18:21 mean?
A: Exodus 18:21 instructs Moshe (Moses) to appoint qualified leaders from among the people. These leaders must possess four key qualities: 1) they must be 'anshei chayil' (men of capability), 2) 'yirei Elokim' (God-fearing), 3) 'anshei emet' (men of truth), and 4) 'sonei batza' (those who hate dishonest gain). Rashi explains that these traits ensure just and ethical leadership.
Q: Why is Exodus 18:21 important?
A: This verse is important because it establishes the Torah's standards for leadership. The Rambam (Hilchot Sanhedrin 2:7) derives from this verse that judges and community leaders must meet these qualifications. It teaches that true leadership requires both competence (being 'able men') and strong moral character (fearing God, loving truth, and rejecting corruption).
Q: What can we learn from Exodus 18:21 about choosing leaders?
A: We learn that leaders should be selected based on both their skills and their moral integrity. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 7b) emphasizes that a leader must be 'God-fearing' above all else. The Midrash (Mechilta) notes that 'hating unjust gain' is crucial because a leader who loves money will ultimately distort justice. These principles apply to all leadership roles in Jewish communities.
Q: How does Exodus 18:21 apply to leadership today?
A: The qualities listed in this verse remain essential for Jewish leaders today. Whether selecting rabbis, community organizers, or board members, we must look for individuals who are capable, God-fearing, truthful, and incorruptible. The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 7:1) applies these standards to judges, showing their timeless relevance in maintaining just and holy communities.
Q: Why does the verse mention different levels of leaders (rulers of thousands, hundreds, etc.)?
A: The different levels (rulers of thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens) teach us about proper organizational structure. Rashi explains that this creates a hierarchy where smaller groups report to larger ones, ensuring efficient administration. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 18a) derives from this that every Jewish community should have appropriate leadership structures to properly serve its members' needs.