Leaders Have to Lead

Pinchas
Numbers 25:10 - 30:1

Précis: This parasha begins with a reward for Pinchas’ zealotry in slaying the offending adulterers at the conclusion of the previous parasha. (His reward: the hereditary High Priesthood for his family). The parasha continues with a second census conducted by Moses, with war being declared against Midian. The laws of inheritance are amended to provide, at least in certain cases, for daughters to inherit their fathers’ estates. Joshua is appointed the successor to Moses as leader of the People. The parasha then shifts to details of daily sacrifices, offerings for the new moon, and Festivals.

27:15 -16 “And Moses spoke to Adonai saying, ‘Let Adonai, God of the spirit of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation who will go in front of them and who will bring them out and who will bring them in, so that Adonai’s congregation won’t be like sheep without a shepherd.…’”

Richard Elliot Friedman points out in his Commentary on Torah this is the last time recorded in the Bible that Moses speaks to Adonai (in Deuteronomy, there are reports of past discussions between Moses and Adonai, but not current speaking). And what is the subject of Moses last words? The future leadership of the people. Moses uses the metaphor of a shepherd, since he himself had been a shepherd.

And what are the attributes of a leader? That he goes out before the people and come in before them - and does not trail behind them. The leader must lead, and not look behind to see what they want. The leader keeps the needs of the people as the first priority. This is important for professionals, for volunteers, and for our political leaders as well.