But he doesn’t do it alone. He speaks to the elders, the respected leaders of the tribes. These weren’t just figureheads, but individuals who held the trust and confidence of the people.
And here's where it gets really interesting. According to Legends of the Jews, God recognized and rewarded the elders for their early support of Moses. Ginzberg, drawing on various Midrashic sources, tells us that their faith in Moses, their willingness to stand by him from the very beginning, was instrumental in getting the entire nation to believe.
Why was this so important? Because without the elders' backing, without their endorsement, it's unlikely the people would have followed Moses at all. They were the bridge, the conduit through which Moses's message of freedom could reach the hearts and minds of the Israelites.
So, what was the reward for these faithful elders? It wasn't gold or power. It was something far more significant. God said, "I will reward the elders for inspiring the people with confidence in Moses. They shall have the honor of delivering Israel. They shall lead the people to the Passover sacrifice, and through this the redemption will be brought about."
Think about the weight of that statement. They were to lead the people to the Pesach sacrifice – Pesach, the Passover offering, the ritual that would commemorate their liberation from slavery and seal their covenant with God. By guiding the people in this sacred act, they were actively participating in the redemption itself!
It really makes you think about the power of belief, doesn't it? The power of leaders who inspire confidence, and the incredible things that can happen when a community unites behind a shared vision. The story of the elders reminds us that leadership isn't just about being in charge; it's about building trust, fostering belief, and paving the way for redemption, one Pesach sacrifice at a time.