It recounts the story of how the Septuagint – the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible – came to be. And tucked within that grand narrative, we find a little gem about the importance of good counsel.
The story goes that Ptolemy Philadelphus, the king of Egypt, wanted a copy of the Jewish Law for his famous library in Alexandria. He reached out to Eleazar, the High Priest in Jerusalem, requesting learned men to translate the Torah into Greek.
But here’s the key. Ptolemy wasn't just looking for translators. He understood something profound about leadership. I've heard of a fine saying of his to the effect that by securing just and prudent men about his person he would secure the greatest protection for his kingdom, since such friends would unreservedly give him the most beneficial advice. Ptolemy believed that surrounding himself with wise and honest advisors was the best defense for his kingdom. These people would offer him invaluable counsel, without holding back.
And that’s precisely the kind of men Eleazar sent. Wise, just, and prudent. As the Letter of Aristeas emphasizes, "And the men who were now being sent to him by Eleazar undoubtedly possessed these qualities."
It's a beautiful sentiment, isn't it? A leader recognizing the vital role of trustworthy advisors. Ptolemy even swore an oath, asserting that his request wasn't for personal gain, but "for the common advantage of all the citizens." He insisted that he would never have asked Eleazar to send these men if it was merely some private interest of his own that constituted the impelling motive-but it was for the common advantage of all the citizens that he was sending them. A leader who prioritizes the well-being of their people, seeking wisdom and guidance from those who are truly righteous. It's a powerful model, and one that resonates even today. What if all leaders sought counsel from those with wisdom and integrity? What kind of world would we live in then? It's something to ponder, isn't it?