According to the Legends of the Jews, as retold by Rabbi Louis Ginzberg, Moses chose his servant Joshua to lead the charge. Why? Because Moses knew that only a descendant of Rachel, like the Ephraimite Joshua, could conquer the descendant of Esau.
But why this specific lineage? It all boils down to the story of Joseph. You see, the Midrash, ancient rabbinic commentaries on Scripture, paints a fascinating picture. All the sons of Jacob, except for Joseph, had a hand in selling him into slavery. Because of that unbrotherly act, none of their descendants could hope for God's assistance in a struggle against the unbrotherly Edomites – descendants of Esau. The logic is simple, yet profound: How could they expect divine aid against those who acted without brotherly love when they themselves had committed such an act?
Only the descendants of Joseph, the man who showed generosity and kindness to his brothers, could hope for God's favor in this battle. Joseph was, in many ways, the antithesis of Esau. Esau, the firstborn, lost his birthright through his actions. Joseph, the youngest, earned the rights of the firstborn through his good deeds. The Zohar, the foundational text of Jewish mysticism, even tells us that Joseph believed in the resurrection, while Esau denied it. Therefore, God declared, "Joseph, the devout, shall be the one to visit merited punishment on Esau, the unbelieving."
The contrast continues. Joseph associated with wicked men – Potiphar and Pharaoh – but didn't follow their ways. Esau associated with pious men – his father and brother – yet failed to emulate them. "Hence," said God, "Joseph, who did not follow the example of wicked men, shall visit punishment upon him who did not follow the example of pious men."
Esau stained his life with immorality and murder; Joseph was chaste and avoided bloodshed. This is why God delivered Esau's descendants into the hands of Joseph's descendants.
And this pattern, it is said, isn't just a historical anecdote. It's a cosmic principle. As in the past, only Joseph's descendants were victorious over Esau's descendants, so it will be in the future. At the final reckoning between the angel of Esau and the angels of the Jews, a fascinating scene unfolds. The angel of Reuben will be rebuffed with the accusation of having had relations with his father's wife. The angels of Simeon and Levi will be reminded of their slaughter of the inhabitants of Shechem. Judah's angel will face the shame of his encounter with his daughter-in-law. The angels of the other tribes will be silenced by the reminder of their role in selling Joseph.
Only Joseph's angel will stand firm, unassailable. To him, Esau's angel will be delivered, and by him, he will be destroyed. Joseph will be the flame, and Esau the straw, consumed in the fire.
This story, deeply rooted in the aggadic (narrative) portions of Jewish tradition, offers a powerful message. Our actions, our character, and our lineage all play a role in the unfolding of history and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. It reminds us that even seemingly distant events and ancestral actions can have profound consequences, shaping the course of destiny. And that, perhaps, we are all part of a much larger, more intricate tapestry than we can possibly imagine.