share torah logo

Deuteronomy 1:15 - Leaders for every generation?

Deuteronomy 1:15 - דברים 1:15

Hebrew Text

וָאֶקַּח אֶת־רָאשֵׁי שִׁבְטֵיכֶם אֲנָשִׁים חֲכָמִים וִידֻעִים וָאֶתֵּן אֹתָם רָאשִׁים עֲלֵיכֶם שָׂרֵי אֲלָפִים וְשָׂרֵי מֵאוֹת וְשָׂרֵי חֲמִשִּׁים וְשָׂרֵי עֲשָׂרֹת וְשֹׁטְרִים לְשִׁבְטֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes.

Transliteration

Va'ekach et-rashei shivteichem anashim chachamim viydu'im va'eten otam rasim aleichem sarei alafim vesarei me'ot vesarei chamishim vesarei asarot veshotrim leshivteichem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וָאֶקַּ֞ח אֶת־רָאשֵׁ֣י שִׁבְטֵיכֶ֗ם אֲנָשִׁ֤ים חֲכָמִים֙ וִֽידֻעִ֔ים וָאֶתֵּ֥ן אוֹתָ֛ם רָאשִׁ֖ים עֲלֵיכֶ֑ם שָׂרֵ֨י אֲלָפִ֜ים וְשָׂרֵ֣י מֵא֗וֹת וְשָׂרֵ֤י חֲמִשִּׁים֙ וְשָׂרֵ֣י עֲשָׂרֹ֔ת וְשֹׁטְרִ֖ים לְשִׁבְטֵיכֶֽם׃
וָאֶקַּ֞ח אֶת־רָאשֵׁ֣י שִׁבְטֵיכֶ֗ם אֲנָשִׁ֤ים חֲכָמִים֙ וִֽידֻעִ֔ים וָאֶתֵּ֥ן אוֹתָ֛ם רָאשִׁ֖ים עֲלֵיכֶ֑ם שָׂרֵ֨י אֲלָפִ֜ים וְשָׂרֵ֣י מֵא֗וֹת וְשָׂרֵ֤י חֲמִשִּׁים֙ וְשָׂרֵ֣י עֲשָׂרֹ֔ת וְשֹׁטְרִ֖ים לְשִׁבְטֵיכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)

The verse (Devarim 1:15) recounts Moshe Rabbeinu's establishment of a hierarchical judicial and administrative system for Bnei Yisrael, as initially described in Shemot (Exodus 18:21-26). This structure was implemented at Yitro's advice to alleviate Moshe's burden in judging the people.

Selection of Leaders

Rashi explains that the phrase "wise men, and known" refers to individuals who were:

  • Chachamim (wise): Possessing Torah wisdom and understanding.
  • Yedu'im (known): Recognized for their upright character and trusted by the community.

The Sifrei adds that these leaders were chosen based on merit, not lineage, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and integrity in leadership.

Hierarchy of Authority

The Rambam (Hilchot Sanhedrin 1:3) derives from this verse the model for a tiered judicial system:

  • Officers over thousands: Judges for large groups, handling major disputes.
  • Officers over hundreds, fifties, and tens: Lower courts for smaller groups, ensuring accessibility to justice.
  • Shotrim (officers): Enforcers who carried out the courts' rulings (see Ibn Ezra).

Lessons in Leadership

The Midrash Tanchuma (Shemot 27) highlights that Moshe did not appoint leaders arbitrarily but sought those who were:

  • Patient and humble (as per Moshe's own qualities).
  • Capable of judging fairly without favoritism.

This structure reflects the Torah's ideal of decentralized, merit-based leadership, ensuring justice and order for all of Klal Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 16b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the appointment of judges and leaders, illustrating the biblical precedent for establishing a hierarchical judicial system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 1:15 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 1:15 describes how Moshe (Moses) appointed wise and respected leaders from each tribe to help govern the Israelites. These leaders were organized in a hierarchy—captains over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens—to ensure justice and order in the community. Rashi explains that these appointments were made based on the leaders' wisdom and reputation ('known' for their good deeds).
Q: Why did Moshe appoint leaders in this way?
A: Moshe appointed leaders in a structured manner to maintain fairness and efficiency in judging disputes (as mentioned in the previous verses). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 18a) teaches that a well-organized judicial system prevents chaos. Rambam (Hilchot Sanhedrin 1:3) also emphasizes the importance of appointing qualified leaders to uphold Torah law.
Q: What can we learn from this verse about leadership?
A: This verse teaches that leaders should be chosen based on wisdom, integrity, and public recognition of their good character. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) highlights that Moshe selected leaders who were 'wise and known'—meaning they were both knowledgeable in Torah and respected for their ethical behavior. This principle applies today in choosing community leaders.
Q: How does this system of leadership apply today?
A: The structure of leadership in this verse serves as a model for Jewish communities today. Just as Moshe appointed judges and officers at different levels, Jewish law (Halacha) encourages communities to have rabbis, dayanim (judges), and lay leaders to guide them in Torah matters. The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Sanhedrin) elaborates on the importance of maintaining a proper judicial system.
Q: Why were the leaders organized in groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens?
A: The hierarchical structure ensured that every individual had access to justice and guidance. Rashi explains that smaller groups allowed for more personalized attention—captains of tens handled minor disputes, while captains of thousands dealt with larger matters. This system ensured that no issue was overlooked and that leadership was accessible to all.