No wonder he was feeling the pressure! In the book of Bamidbar (Numbers), specifically chapter 11, verse 16, we find a fascinating solution to Moses’ burden, and it reveals something profound about leadership, authority, and the enduring nature of the sacred.
Moses basically says, "I can't do this alone!" And how does God respond? According to Sifrei Bamidbar, God says, "What you've asked for, I’ve granted." He instructs Moses to gather seventy elders of Israel. But why seventy? And what's so special about these elders?
Sifrei Bamidbar explains that the number seventy is crucial for the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court. There must always be seventy members. It also emphasizes the qualities these men should possess: wisdom, strength, seniority, and even a knowledge of "magic arts," which we can understand as a deep understanding of esoteric knowledge and tradition.
But it's not just about their qualifications. The text stresses that these elders must be "from the elders of Israel." This phrase highlights the immense respect and honor God shows to elders throughout the Torah. We see it in Exodus when Moses assembles the elders (Exodus 3:16), and again when they ascend Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:1). Even in Leviticus, Moses calls upon the elders (Leviticus 9:1). The text argues that wherever you find elders, you find God according them honor.
Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai takes this idea even further. He asks, how do we know this respect for elders will continue in the future? He answers with a quote from Isaiah (24:23): "And the moon will be shamed and the sun abashed. For the L-rd of hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and He will accord His elders honor." If God, who created the universe, will honor elders, then how much more should we, mere mortals, do the same?
The text also highlights the consequences of disrespecting elders. It points to Isaiah 47:6, where God expresses anger over the mistreatment of an elder. God "pardons" many things, the text says, but mistreating an elder is particularly grievous. It’s a powerful reminder of the value placed on wisdom, experience, and the contributions of those who have come before us.
Sifrei Bamidbar goes on to explain the selection process for these elders. They must be men known and respected by the community, individuals praised for their uprightness, piety, and wisdom. The text even connects them to the "officers" described in Exodus 5:19, who shared in the Israelites' suffering in Egypt. Because they shared in the hardship, they now get to share in the welfare.
And how should Moses approach these newly appointed elders? Not with demands, but with words of praise and encouragement: "How fortunate you are to have been selected!" Yet, even with praise, Moses needs to be upfront. He must warn them that this role comes with challenges, that they will face opposition and even hostility. They must understand the weight of their responsibility.
Finally, Moses is instructed to bring the elders into the Ohel Moed, the Tent of Meeting. This act is meant to inspire awe, fear, and honor among the people. The people should say, "How beloved are these, who have entered with Moses to hear the word of the Holy One Blessed be He!"
What does this all mean for us today? This passage from Sifrei Bamidbar isn't just a historical account; it's a timeless lesson about leadership, respect, and the enduring nature of the sacred. It reminds us that true leadership involves sharing the burden, honoring wisdom, and creating a community built on respect. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of those who have come before us and understanding that true authority comes not from power, but from service and dedication to something greater than ourselves.
And perhaps most importantly, it suggests that the sacred isn't confined to a specific place or time, but is present whenever we gather in the spirit of shared purpose and mutual respect, just like those seventy elders in the Tent of Meeting.