As Heard From Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

“Take for you Yehoshua ben Nun, a man in whom there is spirit.” (27:8)

Here the word Ruach (spirit) denotes character traits and righteous wisdom. “A spirit of jealousy,” (Bamidbar 5:14) “a spirit of wisdom,” (Devarim 34:9) “of sorrowful spirit.” (I Shemuel 1:15) Thus the intention here is “Yehoshua ben Nun a man in whom there is exceedingly great perfection of character and mind.”

Caleb is praised by Hashem, “My servant Caleb, because a different spirit was in him” (Bamidbar 14:24). For one that chooses to be a servant of Hashem is a man of true spirit.

“And you should lay your hand upon him.” (27:18)

The act which Hashem commanded Moshe to perform was the cause of an additional excellence that was now conferred upon Yehoshua. “And Yehoshua ben Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom because Moshe had laid his hands upon him.” (Devarim 34:9)

This was indeed conferred by Hashem, that “gives wisdom to the wise.” (Daniel 2:21) But Hashem performed this by means of Moshe’s laying on of his hands. (From verse 27:23 we see that Moshe placed both hands upon Yehoshua.) Because Yehoshua had achieved a spirit of wisdom, he now was granted additional wisdom.

But this gift of wisdom was contingent on the act of laying on Moshe’s hands. This act was required by Hashem in order to emphasize the necessity of Tradition (Mesorah) from master to disciple. Only the loyal disciples of the Torah leaders are capable of the wisdom which the future leaders need.

Quoted from “Journey Into Greatness” by Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

Shabbat Shalom

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