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Exodus 18:25 - Leaders for divine justice

Exodus 18:25 - שמות 18:25

Hebrew Text

וַיִּבְחַר מֹשֶׁה אַנְשֵׁי־חַיִל מִכָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵל וַיִּתֵּן אֹתָם רָאשִׁים עַל־הָעָם שָׂרֵי אֲלָפִים שָׂרֵי מֵאוֹת שָׂרֵי חֲמִשִּׁים וְשָׂרֵי עֲשָׂרֹת׃

English Translation

And Moshe chose able men out of all Yisra᾽el, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

Transliteration

Va'yivchar Moshe anshei-chayil mi'kol-Yisra'el va'yiten otam rasim al-ha'am sarei alafim sarei me'ot sarei chamishim ve'sarei asarot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּבְחַ֨ר מֹשֶׁ֤ה אַנְשֵׁי־חַ֙יִל֙ מִכׇּל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וַיִּתֵּ֥ן אֹתָ֛ם רָאשִׁ֖ים עַל־הָעָ֑ם שָׂרֵ֤י אֲלָפִים֙ שָׂרֵ֣י מֵא֔וֹת שָׂרֵ֥י חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים וְשָׂרֵ֥י עֲשָׂרֹֽת׃
וַיִּבְחַ֨ר מֹשֶׁ֤ה אַנְשֵׁי־חַ֙יִל֙ מִכׇּל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וַיִּתֵּ֥ן אֹתָ֛ם רָאשִׁ֖ים עַל־הָעָ֑ם שָׂרֵ֤י אֲלָפִים֙ שָׂרֵ֣י מֵא֔וֹת שָׂרֵ֥י חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים וְשָׂרֵ֥י עֲשָׂרֹֽת׃

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Parasha Commentary

Selection of Leaders by Moshe

The verse describes Moshe's appointment of a hierarchical leadership structure for Bnei Yisrael. According to Rashi (Shemos 18:21), this system was actually suggested earlier by Yisro (Jethro), who advised Moshe to delegate authority to capable men to avoid burnout. The Torah here affirms that Moshe implemented this plan meticulously.

Qualities of "Anshei Chayil" (Able Men)

The term anshei chayil (able men) is interpreted by Rambam (Hilchos Sanhedrin 2:7) as individuals possessing seven key attributes:

  • Wisdom (chachmah)
  • Humility (anavah)
  • Fear of Heaven (yiras Shamayim)
  • Truthfulness (sinas mammon)
  • Beloved by the people (ahuvim)
  • Good reputation (baalei shem tov)
  • Financial independence to avoid corruption

The Four-Tiered Leadership Structure

The Mechilta (Yisro 2) explains the significance of the numerical divisions:

  • Officers of Thousands: Handled major national matters and served as military commanders
  • Officers of Hundreds: Judged civil cases and minor disputes
  • Officers of Fifties: Assisted in community organization
  • Officers of Tens: Provided personal guidance and moral instruction

Spiritual Dimension of Leadership

The Sforno notes that these appointments weren't merely administrative but had spiritual purpose - to teach Torah and guide the people in divine service. The Or HaChaim adds that Moshe specifically chose men "from all Israel" to ensure representation from every tribe and background.

Practical Lessons in Leadership

The Malbim derives several principles from this system:

  • Leadership must be decentralized to be effective
  • Authority should be proportional to responsibility
  • Judges and leaders must be accessible to all people
  • Spiritual guidance requires personal connection

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe choose leaders for the Jewish people?
A: Moshe chose leaders to help judge and guide the people, as advised by his father-in-law Yitro (Exodus 18:21-22). This established a system of justice and leadership to prevent Moshe from being overwhelmed and to ensure fair rulings for all.
Q: What qualities did Moshe look for in these leaders?
A: According to Rashi (on Exodus 18:21), Moshe sought 'anshei chayil'—men of strength, meaning they were G-d-fearing, truthful, and despised dishonest gain. The Rambam (Hilchot Sanhedrin 2:7) explains they also needed wisdom, humility, and good reputation.
Q: Why were there different levels of leaders (tens, fifties, hundreds, thousands)?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 18a) teaches this system created an organized hierarchy for judgment and governance. Smaller groups allowed for more personal attention, while larger groups handled broader issues. This structure ensured efficiency and accessibility for all people.
Q: What can we learn from this system of leadership today?
A: This teaches the importance of delegation and organized leadership in communities. Just as Moshe appointed qualified judges, today we must seek wise and righteous leaders at all levels—whether in Torah study, business, or community matters—to maintain justice and unity.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Jewish value of justice?
A: This system reflects the Torah's emphasis on fair judgment (Devarim 16:18-20). By appointing multiple leaders, Moshe ensured disputes could be resolved promptly and justly. The Midrash (Mechilta) highlights that true justice requires qualified, ethical leaders at every level of society.