Take a seemingly simple phrase from the very beginning of Deuteronomy (Devarim), the last of the Five Books of Moses.
In Deuteronomy 1:13, we read, "Havu lachem anashim hachamim u’nevonim v’yedu’im leshivteichem," usually translated as "Appoint for yourselves wise, discerning, and experienced men from your tribes." But wait a minute. What about the very first word, "havu"? It's often translated as "appoint," or "select". But the Sifrei Devarim, an ancient commentary on Deuteronomy, suggests there's much more to it than meets the eye.
The Sifrei Devarim points out that “havu” doesn’t just mean “appoint.” It hints at something deeper: counsel.
How do we know? The Sifrei Devarim cleverly directs us to other verses in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible). For instance, in 2 Samuel 16:20, when King David is dealing with some tricky political maneuvering, the text says, "Havu etzu lachem," which is translated as "Give counsel." See that word "havu" again? It’s clearly linked to the act of seeking and giving advice.
And it doesn't stop there! Remember the story of Pharaoh and the Israelites in Exodus? When Pharaoh's advisors are getting worried about the growing Israelite population, they say, "Havah nitchakmah lo," in Exodus 1:10. This is typically rendered as "Come, let us deal shrewdly with them." But again, look at that word, "Havah," a variant of "havu." The Sifrei Devarim suggests it also carries the connotation of plotting, of taking counsel together to formulate a plan.
So, what does this all mean for our understanding of Deuteronomy 1:13? It means that Moses isn't just telling the Israelites to pick some leaders. He's urging them to engage in a process of collective deliberation, of seeking wise counsel, as they choose those who will guide them. It's not just about finding individuals who are already wise, discerning, and experienced; it's about the community coming together, pooling their collective wisdom, and making a thoughtful decision.
It transforms the act of selecting leaders from a simple task into a communal responsibility, a shared endeavor infused with the spirit of thoughtful deliberation.
Isn't that remarkable? A single word, "havu," unlocks a whole new layer of meaning, reminding us that even the simplest instructions in the Torah can contain profound insights about community, leadership, and the importance of seeking wise counsel. It makes you wonder what other hidden gems are waiting to be discovered, doesn't it?