Why Moses Publicly Appointed Joshua: The Ramban's Timeless Lesson on Leadership

In this week's Torah portion, Parashat Pinchas, God instructs Moses to prepare Joshua son of Nun to succeed him as the leader of the Jewish people. The Torah states:

"The Lord said to Moses, 'Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom there is spirit, and lay your hand upon him. Present him before Eleazar the priest and before the entire congregation, and commission him before their eyes.'" (Numbers 27:18–19)

The phrase "commission him before their eyes" becomes the focus of a fascinating discussion between Rashi and the Ramban, revealing two very different perspectives on leadership.

Rashi: Prepare Joshua for a Challenging Nation

The Ramban first cites Rashi's interpretation: "Commission him"—regarding Israel. Tell him: Know that they are demanding and obstinate people. Accept this responsibility nonetheless.

According to Rashi, Moses is instructed to prepare Joshua for the reality of leading the Jewish people. Leadership, he explains, is not an easy task. Joshua must understand that the nation can be demanding, resistant, and difficult to guide. If he accepts the role, he must do so with full awareness of the challenges that await him.

This reading presents Moses as giving his successor practical advice about the realities of public leadership.

The Ramban's Objection

The Ramban respectfully disagrees. "In my opinion, this is not correct."

His objection is based on one small but significant phrase in the verse: "...before their eyes."

If Moses were warning Joshua about the people's difficult nature, asks the Ramban, why would he do so publicly?

Such criticism would be far more appropriate in a private conversation. Saying these things in front of the nation could easily provoke resentment or even rebellion. Good leadership, the Ramban argues, requires discretion. If the people needed rebuke, it should have been addressed directly to them, not spoken about them in their presence.

A Public Commission, Not a Private Warning

The Ramban therefore offers an entirely different explanation.

The public command was not intended to warn Joshua about the people. Rather, it was meant to appoint him publicly and define the responsibilities of leadership before the entire nation.

Moses was instructed to charge Joshua with the duties of a ruler and judge: to care deeply for the people, to fight the battles of God, to lead the nation faithfully in every circumstance, and to administer justice with integrity.

This public ceremony served an essential purpose.

The people needed to witness that Joshua had been personally entrusted with leadership by Moses himself. Seeing this transfer of authority would strengthen their confidence in him and encourage them to accept his leadership wholeheartedly. They would know that Joshua had been instructed to guide them according to truth and righteousness, exactly as his teacher had commanded.

Moses Carries Out God's Command

The Ramban points out that this is precisely what Moses later does, as recorded in the Book of Deuteronomy: "Then Moses called Joshua and said to him before the eyes of all Israel, 'Be strong and courageous... Do not fear and do not be dismayed.'" (Deuteronomy 31:7–8)

The Sifrei comments on this passage by explaining that Moses strengthened Joshua in Torah and encouraged him, teaching that there cannot be two leaders for one generation. A true leader must be decisive, strong, and unafraid of public pressure.

Leadership requires both wisdom and confidence.

The Meaning of "Commission Him"

The Ramban concludes by offering what he believes is the straightforward meaning of the verse.

In his view, the Hebrew word "vetzivita" ("you shall command" or "commission") does not primarily refer to giving instructions. Rather, it refers to formally appointing Joshua as the nation's leader.

He supports this interpretation by citing several other verses throughout the Bible where the same root describes the appointment of a ruler or judge.

Accordingly, the phrase "commission him before their eyes" means that Moses was to publicly infuse Joshua with authority before the entire nation. The people themselves would witness the transfer of leadership, recognize Joshua as Moses' successor, and place their trust in him.

A Timeless Lesson in Leadership

The Ramban's interpretation offers a profound lesson that extends far beyond the biblical narrative.

Great leadership is not established merely by private conversations or personal qualifications. It also requires public trust.

Joshua's appointment was required to be visible. The people needed to see that his authority came directly from Moses and ultimately from God. Public recognition would give legitimacy to his leadership and inspire confidence in those he was called to lead.

At the same time, the Ramban reminds us of another essential principle: leaders should never humiliate or criticize the people they serve in public. Correction has its place, but public appointments should inspire confidence rather than resentment.

By reading a single phrase carefully, the Ramban reveals a timeless model of leadership, that is built on responsibility, integrity, public trust, and respect for those being led.