Numbers 27:18 - Spirit-filled leader's divine appointment

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Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה קַח־לְךָ אֶת־יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בִּן־נוּן אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר־רוּחַ בּוֹ וְסָמַכְתָּ אֶת־יָדְךָ עָלָיו׃

English Translation

And the Lord said to Moshe, Take thee Yehoshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is spirit, and lay thy hand upon him;

Transliteration

Vayomer Adonai el-Moshe kach-lecha et-Yehoshua bin-Nun ish asher-ruach bo v'samachta et-yadecha alav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֗ה קַח־לְךָ֙ אֶת־יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ בִּן־נ֔וּן אִ֖ישׁ אֲשֶׁר־ר֣וּחַ בּ֑וֹ וְסָמַכְתָּ֥ אֶת־יָדְךָ֖ עָלָֽיו׃

Parasha Commentary

The Appointment of Yehoshua as Moshe's Successor

The verse (Bamidbar 27:18) describes Hashem's command to Moshe to appoint Yehoshua as his successor. Rashi explains that the phrase "אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר־רוּחַ בּוֹ" ("a man in whom is spirit") refers to Yehoshua's ability to adapt his leadership style to each individual's needs, demonstrating wisdom and sensitivity (Rashi on Bamidbar 27:18, based on Sifrei).

The Significance of Semichah (Laying of Hands)

The instruction "וְסָמַכְתָּ אֶת־יָדְךָ עָלָיו" ("lay thy hand upon him") signifies the transfer of authority. Rambam (Hilchos Sanhedrin 4:1) explains that semichah was a formal method of appointing leaders and judges, symbolizing the transmission of wisdom and responsibility from Moshe to Yehoshua.

Spiritual Inheritance: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:14) teaches that Yehoshua merited this appointment because he served Moshe faithfully as his attendant since his youth (Shemos 33:11).
Contrast with Eldad and Meidad: Unlike Eldad and Meidad who prophesied about Yehoshua's future leadership (Sanhedrin 17a), this formal appointment established Yehoshua's role with divine sanction.

Yehoshua's Unique Qualities

The Talmud (Bava Basra 75a) describes Yehoshua as possessing "the face of the moon" - reflecting Moshe's greatness like the moon reflects the sun's light. This metaphor illustrates that while Yehoshua was not equal to Moshe, he was the most fitting successor.

Ramban (on Bamidbar 27:18) emphasizes that Yehoshua was chosen not just for his personal qualities, but because he was already filled with ruach hakodesh (divine spirit), making him uniquely qualified to lead Israel into Eretz Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 8a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the qualities required for leadership, particularly the importance of having 'spirit' or divine inspiration in a leader.

📖 Sotah 13b

The verse is cited in the context of discussing the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua, emphasizing the divine selection and the laying on of hands as a form of ordination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Yehoshua had 'a spirit in him'?
A: Rashi explains that 'a man in whom is spirit' means Yehoshua was someone whose spirit matched the needs of the people—he could adapt himself to each person's individual nature. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:14) adds that he was filled with ruach hakodesh (divine inspiration), making him fit for leadership.

Q: Why did Moshe need to lay his hands on Yehoshua?
A: The act of semichah (laying hands) was a formal transfer of leadership and authority from Moshe to Yehoshua, as explained in the Talmud (Sanhedrin 13b). Rambam (Hilchos Sanhedrin 4:1) states this was done to publicly designate Yehoshua as Moshe's successor and to grant him wisdom and divine assistance.

Q: What can we learn from how Yehoshua was chosen as leader?
A: The Torah teaches that true leadership requires both divine selection ('a man in whom is spirit') and communal acceptance (through Moshe's public appointment). The Sforno notes that Yehoshua's humility and willingness to learn (he was Moshe's faithful student) made him worthy. This teaches us that leadership is earned through character, not just titles.

Q: Why was Yehoshua specifically chosen to succeed Moshe?
A: The Talmud (Bava Basra 75a) describes Yehoshua as 'the moon to Moshe's sun'—he reflected Moshe's teachings faithfully. Additionally, the Midrash (Sifri Zuta 27:18) highlights that Yehoshua demonstrated loyalty by never leaving the Tent of Meeting (Exodus 33:11), showing his total dedication to Torah and leadership.

Q: How does Yehoshua's appointment apply to leadership today?
A: The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) explains that Yehoshua's appointment teaches that leaders must have both spiritual greatness ('ruach') and the ability to connect with people. Modern Jewish leadership—whether rabbis, teachers, or community figures—should follow this model: wisdom combined with understanding individual needs, as Yehoshua did.