Yehoshua - Perek 1: Yehoshua takes over
There are three sections within this chapter: 1) Hashem’s charge to Yehoshua in his new role as leader, 2) Yehoshua’s first steps as the leader, 3) Yehoshua’s reminder to the tribes of Reuven, Gad and half of Menashe.
Part 1: Role of the New Leader (1:1-9)
Summary
Summary
Part 3: Yehoshua addresses Reuven, Gad and half of Menashe (1:12-18)
Summary
Points to Ponder
When did these events actually take place?
At the end of the Torah, we are told that Bnei Yisrael wept after Moshe’s passing for thirty days. This can be calculated through various ways. Tradition tells us that Moshe died on the 7th of Adar, so thirty days later would fall out on the 7th of Nissan – which is when this speech would take place. Another event which supports this calculation is the fact that there was a three-day period following this event before they crossed the Jordan River, which we know was completed on the 10th of Nissan. It is noteworthy that this event of the entire nation crossing a large body of water took place at this point in time, shortly before Pesach, a striking parallel to the original events of Pesach.
Why is Moshe’s name mentioned with such frequency in the chapter introducing his successor?
Moshe Rabbeinu's name appears eleven times in this first chapter. Given that the entire chapter is only eighteen verses long, indicating an unusually high percentage of verses with Moshe Rabbeinu's name. The description of Moshe with the accolade M’oshe Avdi’ and ‘Moshe eved Hashem’ - Moshe My servant, are the highest possible commendation or prHa’aise a person could receive.
To an extent, Yehoshua is really kind of relegated to ‘meshores Moshe’ - the helper of Moshe Rabbeinu. This divide leads the Midrashim to frame this episode of movement from Moshe to Yehoshua as the image of the sun setting while the moon is rising. The era of Moshe Rabbeinu draws to a close and Yehoshua, like the moon, reflects the light of the sun. He takes a secondary seat to the light source of the sun, i.e., Moshe Rabbeinu. This discrepancy in power is the reason why he receives such empowering encouragement from Hashem. Likewise, the tribes he speaks to give him strength.
Another idea conveyed in this transition chaptert is that the Torah which is absolute and complete, has just been finished. Although we are now in Nach, it is not on the same pedestal as the Torah itself.
Hashem reminds Yehoshua at this critical juncture that he is the leader, but an inherent part of being a leader is the need to be extremely careful. Hence, He commands Yehoshua, "al tasru mimenu yamin u'smol," – Do not go right or left from what Moshe Rabbeinu did. Remember that he brought down the Torah – your job is to pass it on. From this point onward, the Torah was to be applied and not changed. This in turn also explHa’ains why there is a specific mitzvah to Yehoshua himself of "v'hagisa bo yomam v'lHa’ailah," - that he should spend his time studying and thinking about Torah. Although addressed to Yehoshua, this mitzvah applies to all of us.
In summary, this instruction means to say, “Yehoshua, you have seen the Torah. The Torah has just concluded. Ensure that it is the guiding principle, and with it, ‘tatzliach’ – you will succeed. This leads us into the beginning of the book of Yehoshua.
Part 1: Role of the New Leader (1:1-9)
Summary
- The thirty days of mourning over Moshe Rabbeinu have just ended, Yehoshua takes his place. Hashem’s primary words of encouragement are “Chazak v’ematz” – strengthen yourself to take this position of leading the nation of Israel into the Land of Israel.
- Hashem tells him that He will support him, just as He supported Moshe. The central condition for this is that he follows the Torah – and does not add or subtract anything. Yehoshua is guaranteed that if he studies Torah assiduously, he will succeed.
Summary
- Yehoshua readies the people, instructing them to ready themselves, as they will be crossing the Jordan three days later.
- Until this point, they have been sitting on the Eastern bank of the Jordan while hearing Moshe’s final speech.
Part 3: Yehoshua addresses Reuven, Gad and half of Menashe (1:12-18)
Summary
- He addresses the tribes of Reuven, Gad and half of Menashe, reminding them of their agreement with Moshe Rabbeinu that they would help their other tribes in their conquest of the mHa’ainland of the Land of Israel.
- They too encourage Yehoshua, telling him “Chazak v’amatz” – that he should be strong and courageous.
- While declaring their loyalty to him, they mention how anyone who does not follow Yehoshua’s instructions to the letter will be killed.
Points to Ponder
When did these events actually take place?
At the end of the Torah, we are told that Bnei Yisrael wept after Moshe’s passing for thirty days. This can be calculated through various ways. Tradition tells us that Moshe died on the 7th of Adar, so thirty days later would fall out on the 7th of Nissan – which is when this speech would take place. Another event which supports this calculation is the fact that there was a three-day period following this event before they crossed the Jordan River, which we know was completed on the 10th of Nissan. It is noteworthy that this event of the entire nation crossing a large body of water took place at this point in time, shortly before Pesach, a striking parallel to the original events of Pesach.
Why is Moshe’s name mentioned with such frequency in the chapter introducing his successor?
Moshe Rabbeinu's name appears eleven times in this first chapter. Given that the entire chapter is only eighteen verses long, indicating an unusually high percentage of verses with Moshe Rabbeinu's name. The description of Moshe with the accolade M’oshe Avdi’ and ‘Moshe eved Hashem’ - Moshe My servant, are the highest possible commendation or prHa’aise a person could receive.
To an extent, Yehoshua is really kind of relegated to ‘meshores Moshe’ - the helper of Moshe Rabbeinu. This divide leads the Midrashim to frame this episode of movement from Moshe to Yehoshua as the image of the sun setting while the moon is rising. The era of Moshe Rabbeinu draws to a close and Yehoshua, like the moon, reflects the light of the sun. He takes a secondary seat to the light source of the sun, i.e., Moshe Rabbeinu. This discrepancy in power is the reason why he receives such empowering encouragement from Hashem. Likewise, the tribes he speaks to give him strength.
Another idea conveyed in this transition chaptert is that the Torah which is absolute and complete, has just been finished. Although we are now in Nach, it is not on the same pedestal as the Torah itself.
Hashem reminds Yehoshua at this critical juncture that he is the leader, but an inherent part of being a leader is the need to be extremely careful. Hence, He commands Yehoshua, "al tasru mimenu yamin u'smol," – Do not go right or left from what Moshe Rabbeinu did. Remember that he brought down the Torah – your job is to pass it on. From this point onward, the Torah was to be applied and not changed. This in turn also explHa’ains why there is a specific mitzvah to Yehoshua himself of "v'hagisa bo yomam v'lHa’ailah," - that he should spend his time studying and thinking about Torah. Although addressed to Yehoshua, this mitzvah applies to all of us.
In summary, this instruction means to say, “Yehoshua, you have seen the Torah. The Torah has just concluded. Ensure that it is the guiding principle, and with it, ‘tatzliach’ – you will succeed. This leads us into the beginning of the book of Yehoshua.