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Numbers 27:19 - Leadership transfer through priestly guidance

Numbers 27:19 - במדבר 27:19

Hebrew Text

וְהַעֲמַדְתָּ אֹתוֹ לִפְנֵי אֶלְעָזָר הַכֹּהֵן וְלִפְנֵי כָּל־הָעֵדָה וְצִוִּיתָה אֹתוֹ לְעֵינֵיהֶם׃

English Translation

and set him before El῾azar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.

Transliteration

Veha'amadta oto lifnei Elazar hakohen velifnei kol-ha'edah vetzivita oto le'eineihem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהַֽעֲמַדְתָּ֣ אֹת֗וֹ לִפְנֵי֙ אֶלְעָזָ֣ר הַכֹּהֵ֔ן וְלִפְנֵ֖י כׇּל־הָעֵדָ֑ה וְצִוִּיתָ֥ה אֹת֖וֹ לְעֵינֵיהֶֽם׃
וְהַֽעֲמַדְתָּ֣ אֹת֗וֹ לִפְנֵי֙ אֶלְעָזָ֣ר הַכֹּהֵ֔ן וְלִפְנֵ֖י כׇּל־הָעֵדָ֑ה וְצִוִּיתָ֥ה אֹת֖וֹ לְעֵינֵיהֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Numbers 27:19) appears in the context of Hashem instructing Moshe to appoint Yehoshua (Joshua) as his successor. The verse details the process of publicly conferring leadership upon Yehoshua before Elazar the Kohen Gadol and the entire congregation of Israel.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "give him a charge in their sight" refers to Moshe instructing Yehoshua about the responsibilities of leadership before the entire nation. This public declaration served to establish Yehoshua's authority and ensure the nation would respect and follow him.

The Sifrei's Insight

The Sifrei (a halachic midrash on Bamidbar) elaborates that this public appointment was crucial to prevent any future disputes about Yehoshua's leadership. By standing before Elazar the Kohen and the entire congregation, Yehoshua's authority was established with both religious and communal legitimacy.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos Melachim (1:3), Rambam cites this verse as the source for how Jewish leadership must be transferred - through public appointment before the Kohen Gadol and the Sanhedrin. This establishes the proper chain of authority in Jewish tradition.

Symbolic Elements

  • The presence of Elazar the Kohen represents the spiritual dimension of leadership
  • The entire congregation represents the communal acceptance of authority
  • The public nature of the appointment emphasizes transparency in leadership transitions

Practical Halachic Implications

The Mechilta derives from this verse that important communal appointments must be made publicly to avoid any doubts about their legitimacy. This principle applies to various leadership roles in Jewish communities throughout history.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 27:19 mean?
A: This verse describes the process of appointing Yehoshua (Joshua) as Moshe's successor. Hashem commands Moshe to present Yehoshua before Elazar the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) and the entire congregation, and to publicly charge him with leadership responsibilities. According to Rashi, this public ceremony gave Yehoshua proper authority and showed the people that he was Moshe's rightful successor chosen by Hashem.
Q: Why was Yehoshua appointed before Elazar the Kohen?
A: The Talmud (Bava Batra 75a) explains that Yehoshua needed the spiritual support of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest), as leadership requires both temporal and spiritual guidance. By standing before Elazar, Yehoshua demonstrated that his leadership would be connected to the Divine service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 1:3) notes this shows that Jewish leaders must work in harmony with Torah authority.
Q: What can we learn from the public nature of Yehoshua's appointment?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:15) teaches that leadership transitions must be clear and public to prevent disputes. By appointing Yehoshua before the entire congregation, Moshe ensured there would be no confusion about who was chosen by Hashem to lead. This teaches us the importance of transparency in communal matters, especially regarding leadership roles.
Q: How does this verse apply to leadership today?
A: The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchos Sanhedrin 4:1) derives from this verse that all important communal appointments must be done publicly before Torah scholars and the community. This ensures accountability and legitimacy. Modern Jewish communities follow this model when appointing rabbis or leaders - with public installation ceremonies before rabbinical authorities and congregants.
Q: Why did Yehoshua need a 'charge' or instruction?
A: Rashi explains that Moshe was commanded to impart wisdom and give Yehoshua specific instructions for leadership. The Sifri notes this wasn't just about transferring authority, but about transmitting Moshe's teachings and approach. This shows that true Jewish leadership requires both formal appointment and the transmission of Torah wisdom from teacher to student.