The Torah reading Pinchas (Numbers 25:10-30:1) contains the final words of Moses to God. Through the remaining chapters of Numbers and throughout Deuteronomy we find no other instance where Moses is quoted as saying anything to YHWH. In Deuteronomy we read of Moses relating past conversation between he and YHWH, but it is in the Torah reading Pinchas where we read his final words to God.
The scene of this communication comes on the Abarim range. Moses had been summoned to look out upon the land that God had given to the Israelites. He would not be allowed to enter the land, but this was his opportunity to see the land. Here in this story, he is reminded of the reason that he will not be allowed to enter the land – he had rebelled and not shown the holiness of YHWH at the waters.
Moses’ final words to God (addressed beautifully to the God of the spirits of all flesh – Numbers 27:16 – see also 16:22) are a plea that YHWH would “appoint someone over the congregation who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of the LORD may not be like sheep without a shepherd (Numbers 27:15-17). See also 1 Kings 22:17 / 2 Chronicles 18:16; Zechariah 10:2; and especially Ezekiel chapter 34 for other instances of the use of this phrase.
Remember that when God first called Moses he was tending a flock (Exodus 3:1). God’s reason for calling Moses was to rescue Israel from their oppressors (Exodus 3:7) and so now, as Moses is about to die, he wants to make sure that God has someone in mind to carry on that original task. He has grown to love this flock for which he was given responsibility and wants to know that they will be taken care of.
The role of a shepherd plays an important part in the Bible. God often saw within the characteristics of a good shepherd the kind of leadership traits that make for a good leader of his people. When God wants to show faulty leadership, it is often in terms related to a “bad” or worthless shepherd (Zech 11 for example) – Ezekiel 34 as well. Jeremiah 23:1-4 also speak of bad shepherds but also declares a promise that God will raise up good shepherds to feed his flock.
David is another example of a good shepherd. When Samuel is sent to Jesse’s family to anoint the new king, the sons are brought before the prophet one by one until finally it is realized that “the one” that God has chosen, is tending sheep (1 Samuel 16:11).
Later, when David tries to convince Saul that he can beat the giant, it is to his excellent shepherding skills to which he refers (see 1 Samuel 17:34-37!). Later, we read where God refers back to calling David from his job of tending the Sheep (2 Samuel 7:1-9).
While thinking of good shepherds, I spent some time working in the Hebrew of Psalm 23 and would like to share my own translation of that “well known” psalm.
Psalm 23
A melody for David
YHWH is my shepherd
I shall not lack
In meadows (naveh [see 2 Samuel 7:8]) of grass he causes me to stretch out;
upon waters of restfulness – he guides me
He brings my soul back;
He guides me in righteous tracks (worn trenches) on account of His name
Also, because I walk in a death shadow valley, I will not fear bad – because you are with me;
Your rod and staff, they comfort me
You arrange before me a table, opposite my harassers;
You “make fat – anoint?” in the oil, my head
My cup is overfull (saturated)
Only Good (tov) and Loyal kindness (Hesed) will chase me all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of YHWH for length of days
This is to be read from the perspective of the sheep. I love the final words of this psalm. Imagine sheep talking to each other. Sheep may have concerns of what is out there ready to “chase” them. Here, the sheep say that only Tov v’Hesed will chase them.
Just a few thoughts on the Torah reading Pinchas and the final words of Moses.
Learn the way of the shepherd!
Ross Nichols
Ross is an ordained ministering elder for UIWU. He currently lives in Louisiana with his wife and children. He “preaches Moses every Sabbath in the synagogue”. You can read more about his, “Roots of Faith” and the synagogue at www.rootsoffaith.org