Can I really do this?" It's a universal struggle, and even Joshua, the future leader of Israel, felt it.
Our story unfolds just after the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, with the fledgling Israelite nation still finding its footing in the wilderness. Out of nowhere, they are attacked by the Amalekites, a tribe known for preying on the weak and vulnerable. A nasty piece of work, to be sure.
Moses, the leader at this time, doesn't go into battle himself. Instead, he turns to Joshua, his trusted disciple, tasking him with leading the Israelite army. "Choose us out men and go out, fight with Amalek," Moses commands. But there's something so revealing in those words. "Choose us."
Think about that phrasing for a moment. As the ancient sages point out, specifically in Legends of the Jews by Rabbi Louis Ginzberg, this seemingly small detail speaks volumes about Moses' character. It reveals his incredible humility. He treats Joshua not as a mere subordinate, but as an equal. Moses is teaching us a profound lesson: "The honor of our disciples should stand as high as our own." It's a radical idea, isn't it? To elevate those who learn from us, to see their potential as equal to our own.
But Joshua hesitated. According to the text, he was reluctant to leave the protection of the miraculous cloud that shielded the Israelites. Maybe he felt safer under Moses' wing, unsure of his own strength. Perhaps a bit intimidated by the task ahead of him.
Then Moses gives him a powerful push, a mentor's nudge toward destiny. "Abandon the cloud and set forth against Amalek," he urges, "if ever thou dost hope to set the crown upon thy head." In other words: to truly lead, you have to step out of your comfort zone. You need to face the challenge head-on, even when it's scary.
Moses doesn’t just send Joshua into battle unprepared. He instructs him to choose warriors who are pious and God-fearing. Quality over quantity, you might say. And he promises to do his part too. He will set a fast day for the people, imploring God to remember the good deeds of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs, the founding mothers and fathers of the Jewish people, and to stand by Israel in this crucial battle. A full court press on the spiritual plane.
So, what can we take away from this? Joshua's story reminds us that leadership isn't about being fearless, but about being brave enough to face our fears. And Moses' example shows us the importance of humility and mentorship, of empowering those who come after us. It's a beautiful, timeless message about trust, courage, and the power of believing in others – and in ourselves.