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Numbers 27:20 - Leadership's divine transfer

Numbers 27:20 - במדבר 27:20

Hebrew Text

וְנָתַתָּה מֵהוֹדְךָ עָלָיו לְמַעַן יִשְׁמְעוּ כָּל־עֲדַת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

And thou shalt put some of thy honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Yisra᾽el may be obedient.

Transliteration

Venatata mehodecha alav lemaan yishme'u kol-adat bnei yisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנָתַתָּ֥ה מֵהֽוֹדְךָ֖ עָלָ֑יו לְמַ֣עַן יִשְׁמְע֔וּ כׇּל־עֲדַ֖ת בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
וְנָתַתָּ֥ה מֵהֽוֹדְךָ֖ עָלָ֑יו לְמַ֣עַן יִשְׁמְע֔וּ כׇּל־עֲדַ֖ת בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 27:20) appears in the Torah portion of Pinchas, where Hashem instructs Moshe to appoint Yehoshua (Joshua) as his successor. The phrase "וְנָתַתָּה מֵהוֹדְךָ עָלָיו" ("And thou shalt put some of thy honour upon him") refers to the transfer of leadership and spiritual authority from Moshe to Yehoshua.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 27:20) explains that "הוֹדְךָ" ("thy honour") refers to the radiance of Moshe's countenance, which was a visible manifestation of his closeness to Hashem. However, Rashi clarifies that Yehoshua did not receive the same level of divine radiance as Moshe. The phrase "מֵהוֹדְךָ" ("some of thy honour") indicates that Yehoshua was granted a portion—but not the entirety—of Moshe's spiritual stature.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah (7:6), the Rambam discusses the concept of transferring authority through semichah (ordination). He explains that Moshe's act of placing his hands on Yehoshua (as described in the surrounding verses) was a formal transmission of leadership, ensuring continuity in Torah guidance for Bnei Yisrael.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:15) compares Moshe to the sun and Yehoshua to the moon, illustrating that Yehoshua reflected Moshe's leadership but did not equal it in brilliance.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma Pinchas 11) emphasizes that Yehoshua's authority was granted so that "כָּל־עֲדַת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" ("all the congregation of Bnei Yisrael") would accept his leadership without dispute, maintaining unity.

Practical Implications

The Sforno notes that the purpose of this transfer was to ensure that the nation would continue to follow Torah guidance without hesitation ("יִשְׁמְעוּ"—"may be obedient"). This underscores the importance of clear, undisputed leadership in Klal Yisrael to prevent division and maintain adherence to Halacha.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 8a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the transfer of authority from Moses to Joshua, illustrating how honor and leadership are passed down.
📖 Sotah 13b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the qualities and responsibilities of leaders in Israel, emphasizing the importance of obedience to rightful authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'put some of your honour upon him' mean in Numbers 27:20?
A: This verse refers to Moshe (Moses) transferring some of his spiritual authority and leadership qualities to Yehoshua (Joshua). Rashi explains that this means Yehoshua would now lead the people with wisdom and dignity, though not to the same full degree as Moshe.
Q: Why was it important for Yehoshua to receive honour from Moshe?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:15) teaches that this public transfer of honour ensured the Jewish people would accept Yehoshua's leadership after Moshe's passing. Without this visible endorsement, they might not have followed Yehoshua properly.
Q: How does this verse apply to leadership transitions today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Sanhedrin 4:1) derives from this verse that proper leadership succession requires the outgoing leader to publicly appoint and empower their successor. This maintains stability and continuity in Jewish communal leadership.
Q: What does 'that all the congregation may be obedient' teach us?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 8a) explains that the visible transfer of authority prevents disputes, as the people clearly see who has been designated as the rightful leader. This creates unity in following Torah guidance.
Q: Why didn't Yehoshua receive all of Moshe's honour?
A: Rashi notes that the verse says 'some of your honour' because no leader could equal Moshe's unique level of prophecy and closeness to Hashem. Yehoshua received enough authority to lead, but not Moshe's unparalleled spiritual stature.