Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 27:17 mean?
A: Numbers 27:17 describes the need for a strong and capable leader for the Jewish people, comparing them to sheep who would be lost without a shepherd. Moshe (Moses) asks Hashem to appoint a successor so the nation will not be left without guidance. Rashi explains that this leader must be someone who can lead both in times of war ('go out before them') and in times of peace ('bring them in').
Q: Why is leadership important in Judaism according to this verse?
A: This verse emphasizes that proper leadership is essential for the Jewish people to thrive. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 8a) teaches that a community without a leader is like a flock without a shepherd—vulnerable and directionless. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 1:1) also derives from this verse that appointing a righteous leader ensures the spiritual and physical well-being of the nation.
Q: Who was appointed as the leader after Moshe based on this request?
A: In response to Moshe's plea in this verse, Hashem appointed Yehoshua (Joshua) as the next leader (Numbers 27:18-23). Rashi explains that Yehoshua was chosen because he was a faithful student of Moshe and had the qualities needed to lead the people into Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel).
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish leadership today?
A: This verse teaches that Jewish leaders—whether rabbis, teachers, or community figures—must guide their people with wisdom, care, and responsibility. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:15) compares a good leader to a shepherd who tends to each sheep's needs. Today, this principle reminds us to seek and support leaders who uphold Torah values and serve the community selflessly.
Q: What can we learn from the comparison of the Jewish people to sheep?
A: The comparison to sheep (Numbers 27:17) teaches that, like sheep relying on their shepherd, the Jewish people need a leader for protection, direction, and unity. The Sforno explains that without proper leadership, people may stray spiritually or morally. This metaphor reminds us of the importance of humility and trusting in righteous guides who follow Hashem's ways.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Bamidbar 27:17) is part of Moshe Rabbeinu's plea to Hashem to appoint a successor before his passing, so that the Jewish people would not be left without a leader. The imagery of sheep without a shepherd underscores the necessity of strong, divinely-guided leadership for Klal Yisrael.
Explanation of the Phrases
The Danger of Being Without a Shepherd
The comparison to "sheep that have no shepherd" is elaborated upon in the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:15), which states that without proper leadership, the Jewish people are vulnerable to disunity and spiritual decline. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 8a) further teaches that a community without a leader is like a flock scattered and exposed to danger.
Leadership Qualities Implied
The Sforno notes that a true Jewish leader must be like a shepherd—caring for each individual while guiding the collective. This includes:
Connection to Yehoshua's Appointment
This verse sets the standard for Yehoshua's role as Moshe's successor. The Talmud (Bava Batra 75a) derives from here that a leader must embody both courage ("go out before them") and wisdom ("bring them in"), qualities Yehoshua exemplified when leading Bnei Yisrael into Eretz Yisrael.