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The Book of Deuteronomy – ‫חומש דברים‬ 60

Torah Portion Va'Yelech

In the Torah portion of Va'Yelech, Moshe says to Yehoshua that he will bring
the nation of Israel to the Promised Land, like it says in the following verse:

"Moshe called to Yehoshua and said to him before the eyes of all
Israel: Be strong and courageous because you will come with (et) this
nation to the land that God promised to their forefathers to give to
them and you will bequeath it to them." (31:7)

In another verse, God says to Yehoshua:

"He commanded Yehoshua the son of Nun and said: Be strong and
courageous because you will bring the Children of Israel to the land
that I promised to them and I will be with you." (31:23)

In the first verse, Moshe says to Yehoshua "you will come" and God says to
Yehoshua "you will bring".
Why is there a difference in this word between the verses?
In Hebrew the word "et" (a word that comes before "the" and indicates the
object of the verb) sometimes also has the meaning of "with".

The Sages say: when Moshe said to Yehoshua:
"Because you will come et this nation" – the meaning is:
"Because you will come with this nation" (together with this nation).

Here Moshe intended that Yehoshua will take counsel with the elders that are in
the nation and act according to their opinion.
When God said to Yehoshua: "Because you will bring (et) this nation" the
intention is that Yehoshua will lead the Children of Israel even against their will
– the decision is his.

At first glance there is here a contradiction. On the one hand, Yehoshua needs
to take counsel and on the other he needs to make the decision by himself.

Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman says on this: In the beginning the leader needs to
hear the opinions and the advice of the elders and the sages and it is forbidden
for him to rely on his opinion. But after having heard all the opinions, the person
has to show leadership and decide by himself how to act.

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