The ancient text of Sifrei Devarim, a commentary on the Book of Deuteronomy, grapples with this very question, and it's a surprisingly potent message for us today.
There's a powerful, almost unsettling idea tucked away in its verses: "and I shall set them at your heads." But this isn’t about some literal act. Instead, it's a reflection on the intertwined fates of a community and its leaders. According to Sifrei Devarim, if the people "guard their ways," meaning if they live ethically and justly, then their leaders, their “heads” (the judges), will also be guarded, protected, and upright. But the flip side is equally true – and far more sobering. If the people stray from the right path, their leaders will also falter.
This leads to a stark conclusion: "whence we are taught that the guilt of Israel is on the heads of their judges." Heavy stuff, right? It echoes the prophet Ezekiel's warning (33:7-9): A leader is like a sentinel, a watchman. If they see wrongdoing and fail to warn the people, then they bear responsibility for the consequences. "If you do not warn the wicked one and he dies, his blood will be on your head." It's a terrifying burden, and one that underscores the immense power – and responsibility – that comes with leadership.
But it doesn't stop there. Sifrei Devarim also delves into the complex relationship between Moses, the ultimate teacher, and the people he led. Remember when Moses appointed judges to help ease his burden? (Deuteronomy 1:14). The people responded, "Good is the thing that you have spoken to do." But Sifrei Devarim suggests their response was far from sincere.
Imagine the scene. Moses, who spent forty days and forty nights with God on Mount Sinai, practically suffering to bring the Torah to the people – as we read in Exodus 34:28, "And he was there with the L-rd forty days and forty nights." And yet, the commentary suggests the people might have been thinking, "Why is he appointing judges? Shouldn't we be learning Torah directly from him? Or at least from his closest disciples?"
According to the text, Moses may have suspected some less-than-pure motives lurking beneath their polite agreement. Perhaps they thought, "Now he's appointing all these judges… if one of them doesn't listen to us, we'll just bribe him!" Hence, the somewhat sarcastic interpretation of their words: "And you answered me, and you said... 'that you have spoken to do'… let him 'do,' quickly." It's as if they were saying, "Just get it over with!"
What’s so striking about this passage is its raw honesty about the human condition. It acknowledges the potential for corruption, the skepticism towards authority, and the sometimes-hidden agendas that can drive our actions.
So, what does it all mean for us today? Perhaps it's a reminder to choose our leaders wisely, but also to hold ourselves accountable. A healthy society requires both ethical leadership and an engaged, responsible citizenry. It's a two-way street, a constant dialogue, and a shared commitment to doing what's right, even when it's difficult. And maybe, just maybe, it encourages us to look beyond the surface and consider the deeper motivations behind our words and actions, both our own and those of the people around us. Because, as Sifrei Devarim suggests, the consequences of our choices rest on all of our heads.