Parashat Pinhas: What's Going On Here?
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ByHadar Institute

What's going on here? מַה זֶה?

God told Moshe to appoint Yehoshua as the next leader of Benei Yisrael, since Yehoshua was אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר רוּחַ בּוֹ (a person of spirit) (Bemidbar 27:18).

What does this mean? Why would this quality make Yehoshua a good leader?

  • Rashi says Yehoshua was able to understand and appreciate the unique character of each and every person.
  • According to Targum Onkelos, the “spirit” means that Yehoshua was a prophet.
  • Ha’amek Davar says that Yehoshua led with a clear perspective. He was not influenced by those around him to act for the wrong reasons, or to benefit himself.