That’s pressure!
We read in Legends of the Jews (Ginzberg) that Moses reached his breaking point. He just couldn't bear the burden of the people alone any longer. And what was God's response? It’s fascinating.
Instead of simply offering more direct help, God essentially says, "I gave you the wisdom and understanding to do this alone, to set you apart. But since you want to share the responsibility, go ahead. But don't expect Me to step in further. 'I will take of the spirit that is upon thee and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.'" (Numbers 11:17).
Think about that for a moment. God isn't swooping in to solve the problem entirely. Instead, God empowers others to share the load, drawing from the spirit already present in Moses. It's a lesson in delegation, but also in recognizing and cultivating leadership within a community.
But who should these new leaders be?
God instructs Moses to choose men who had already proven themselves as leaders and officers back in Egypt. These weren't just any individuals. As we learn, in the harsh days of Egyptian bondage, these officers were often beaten if the Israelites failed to meet their brick-making quotas. Talk about a thankless job!
The text emphasizes that "he that is willing to sacrifice himself for the benefit of Israel shall be rewarded with honor, dignity, and the gift of the Holy Spirit." Their past suffering, their willingness to put themselves on the line for the sake of the community, made them worthy of receiving the Ruach HaKodesh, the Holy Spirit.
God even provides Moses with specific instructions on how to address these new leaders. It wasn't just about handing them a title and saying, "Good luck!"
God tells Moses to welcome them warmly, to acknowledge their worthiness: "Hail to you that are deemed worthy by God of being fit for this office." But there’s a stern warning too. Moses is told to speak seriously with them, reminding them that "the Israelites are a troublesome and stiff-necked people, and that you must ever be prepared to have them curse you or cast stones at you."
Wow. Talk about a reality check!
It’s a powerful reminder that leadership isn't just about prestige and authority. It's about service, sacrifice, and a willingness to face criticism, even hostility. And it's a reminder that sometimes, the greatest leaders are those who have already endured hardship on behalf of others.
This story, found within Legends of the Jews, isn't just a historical account. It's a timeless lesson about the nature of leadership, the importance of community, and the enduring power of the human spirit... even when facing a "stiff-necked people." How do we identify the leaders in our own lives, and how do we share the spirit that is upon us with those who are ready to lead? Something to consider.