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Deuteronomy 1:23 - Twelve spies, one per tribe?

Deuteronomy 1:23 - דברים 1:23

Hebrew Text

וַיִּיטַב בְּעֵינַי הַדָּבָר וָאֶקַּח מִכֶּם שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר אֲנָשִׁים אִישׁ אֶחָד לַשָּׁבֶט׃

English Translation

And the saying pleased me well: and I took twelve men of you, one for a tribe:

Transliteration

Vayitav be'einai hadavar va'ekach mikem shneim asar anashim ish echad lashevet.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּיטַ֥ב בְּעֵינַ֖י הַדָּבָ֑ר וָאֶקַּ֤ח מִכֶּם֙ שְׁנֵ֣ים עָשָׂ֣ר אֲנָשִׁ֔ים אִ֥ישׁ אֶחָ֖ד לַשָּֽׁבֶט׃
וַיִּיטַ֥ב בְּעֵינַ֖י הַדָּבָ֑ר וָאֶקַּ֤ח מִכֶּם֙ שְׁנֵ֣ים עָשָׂ֣ר אֲנָשִׁ֔ים אִ֥ישׁ אֶחָ֖ד לַשָּֽׁבֶט׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)

The verse (Devarim 1:23) appears in Moshe's recounting of the episode of the Meraglim (spies) in Parashat Devarim. Moshe explains how the people requested to send spies to scout the Land of Israel, and how he agreed to select one representative from each tribe.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 1:23) notes that the phrase "וַיִּיטַב בְּעֵינַי" ("the saying pleased me well") indicates that Moshe consented to the request, though it was not originally commanded by Hashem. He adds that this teaches a lesson in leadership: even when leaders disagree with a request, they should sometimes yield to the people's will for the sake of peace (דרכי שלום).

Selection of Twelve Representatives

The selection of "שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר אֲנָשִׁים אִישׁ אֶחָד לַשָּׁבֶט" ("twelve men, one for each tribe") follows the principle of tribal representation. The Kli Yakar (Devarim 1:23) explains that this ensured fairness, as no tribe could claim favoritism or exclusion. Each tribe had an equal voice in the mission.

Contrast with Bamidbar (Numbers) Narrative

In Bamidbar 13:1-2, Hashem instructs Moshe to send spies, whereas here, Moshe recalls it as a response to the people's request. The Ramban (Devarim 1:22-23) reconciles this by explaining that the people initiated the idea, and Hashem later permitted it as a test of their faith.

Lessons in Leadership and Decision-Making

  • Consultation with the People: Moshe demonstrates that even a great leader considers the people's input (מדרש תנחומא).
  • Fair Representation: Choosing one from each tribe emphasizes equity in communal decisions (ספרי).
  • Divine Will vs. Human Initiative: The episode highlights the tension between human action and reliance on Hashem's guidance (מלבי"ם).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 1:23 mean when it says 'the saying pleased me well'?
A: This verse refers to Moshe (Moses) agreeing to the people's request to send spies to scout the Land of Israel (as mentioned in the previous verses). Rashi explains that while Hashem had already promised the land was good, the people wanted to send spies, and Moshe consented to their request—though this later led to the sin of the spies.
Q: Why did Moshe choose twelve men, one from each tribe?
A: Moshe selected twelve representatives—one from each tribe—to ensure fairness and representation for all of Israel. The Talmud (Sotah 34b) explains that this was done so no tribe could claim they were excluded or that their perspective wasn’t considered in the scouting mission.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 1:23 about leadership?
A: This verse teaches that even great leaders like Moshe sometimes accommodate the people's requests, even when unnecessary. Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:6) emphasizes the importance of balanced leadership—listening to the people while staying aligned with Torah principles. However, this also shows that concessions can sometimes lead to unintended consequences (as seen with the sin of the spies).
Q: How does the concept of tribal representation in this verse apply today?
A: The idea of equal representation from each tribe reflects the Torah’s emphasis on unity and fairness. Today, Jewish communities often strive for inclusivity, ensuring that different groups have a voice in decision-making, much like the twelve tribes did. This principle is rooted in the Torah’s value of 'Kol Yisrael Areivim Zeh LaZeh'—all Jews are responsible for one another (Shevuot 39a).