Take Joshua, for example. Initially, he wasn't exactly known for his brilliance. In fact, some called him a fool! But he served Moses faithfully. And as we read in Legends of the Jews, God rewarded that service in a profound way: by making Joshua the successor to Moses.
The story goes that Joshua's leadership potential was first revealed during the war against the Amalekites. At Moses' bidding, Joshua led the charge. And God's protection was evident throughout the campaign. We’re told that Joshua even used lots to determine which Amalekites were to be put to death, and the "heavenly sword" itself identified those for extermination. A pretty dramatic illustration of divine guidance, right?
Yet, even with God's help, there was a significant difference between Moses and Joshua. Think of it like the sun and the moon. Both are sources of light, but one shines with an unmatched intensity. While God didn't abandon Joshua, the closeness He shared with Moses was unique. This became clear the moment Moses passed away.
Imagine this scene: Moses, on the verge of his journey to the great beyond, calls Joshua to his side. He tells him, "Ask me anything. Anything you're unsure about." But Joshua, confident in his own diligence, replies that he has no questions. He'd studied Moses' teachings so thoroughly, he thought he knew everything. Talk about a humbling moment! Because immediately, he forgot three hundred Halakot (Jewish laws), and he had doubts about seven hundred more!
Suddenly, the people were furious. They threatened Joshua's life because he couldn't answer their questions about the law. It’s a stark reminder that leadership isn't just about military prowess; it's about knowledge and wisdom, too. And what's perhaps even more interesting is that turning to God for answers wasn't an option at this point. The Torah, once revealed, was now subject to human interpretation, not divine intervention.
So, what did God do? According to Legends of the Jews, He commanded Joshua to go to war immediately after Moses' death, so the people might forget its grievance against him. But let's not reduce Joshua to just a military figure. When God appeared to him to give him instructions about the war, He found him with the Book of Deuteronomy in his hand. What does God say? "Be strong and of good courage; the book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth." In other words, strength comes not just from the battlefield, but from the constant study of the undefined.
Joshua's story is a powerful reminder that even those who start out feeling inadequate can rise to greatness through dedication, service, and a commitment to learning. And it highlights the delicate balance between divine guidance and human responsibility in interpreting sacred texts. So, the next time you feel uncertain, remember Joshua. Embrace your own learning journey, and find your strength in the wisdom of the past.