It's all about Moses and Joshua, right before Moses' passing and Joshua's taking the reins.
The text dives into the verse, "And charge (tzav) Joshua." Now, this isn't just a simple instruction, but a "charging" (tzivui), which the text interprets as prompting to zeal. It's about igniting a fire within Joshua, a fervent dedication.
How do we know? Because it connects it to another verse, where Moses tells Joshua, "Be strong and firm." But it's not just about physical strength, is it? "Be strong" in Torah, the teachings, the wisdom. "And be firm" in good deeds, in righteous action. It's a holistic call to leadership.
Then comes this powerful idea connected to the verse, "for he will pass over before this people." The text emphasizes that Joshua’s leadership isn’t just a formality, but a necessity for the people's success. "If he passes over before them, they will pass; if not, they will not." for a second. Joshua's presence, his active leadership, directly impacts their ability to succeed.
It gets even more direct: "and he will cause them to inherit." Again, the same condition applies: "If he causes them to inherit, they will inherit; if not, not." It’s not just about conquering, but about truly possessing and settling the land, making it their own.
To illustrate this, the text brings up the story of the battle with Ai. Remember that one? Some thirty-six righteous men fell! Joshua is devastated. He tears his clothes, falls on his face before the Ark, and cries out, "Ahah, L-rd, G-d, why did You bring this people across the Jordan…?" He’s questioning everything. As we see in Joshua 7:5-8.
And what’s God’s response? "Arise! Why are you fallen on your face!" Strong words. The text then interprets God as saying, “Is this not what I said to Moses from the very beginning? If he passes over before them, they shall pass; if not, they shall not pass. If he causes them to inherit, they shall inherit; if not, they shall not inherit — and you sent them and did not pass over before them!"
Ouch. The message is clear: Joshua wasn't fully present, wasn't leading from the front, and the consequences were devastating.
What does this tell us? Leadership isn't just about giving orders. It's about embodying the values, leading by example, and being fully present with your people. It's about actively guiding them towards their inheritance, whatever that may be. It's a potent reminder that leadership carries a profound responsibility, and that our actions – or inaction – can have significant consequences.