Devarim: Leading By Example

The Book of Deuteronomy is also known as Mishneh Torah, or: “the repetition of the Torah,” where Moses retells the story of Israel’s desert journey. Just as we reread the Torah Portions each year, repetition enhances our memory and highlights crucial lessons.

Among its many topics, Parashat Devarim addresses the immense burdens of leadership. It takes us back to Exodus 18, where Jethro helped ease Moses' heavy load through organizational solutions. Notably, these vital organizational steps only followed after Jethro modeled the art of true communication.

Communication

Jethro is more than a great communicator who informs Moses of his arrival (verse 6); he greets Moses warmly (verse 7), and deeply listens as Moses shares the challenges of their journey, what the Lord did to their enemies, and how He delivered them (verse 8). After truly absorbing the story, Jethro reacts with genuine joy for all the good God has done for Israel.

We might mistake communication for merely "stating our own ideas." Jethro shows us that authentic communication is a two-way street—a mutual exchange of meaning. Rather than just getting a point across, active listening and understanding are the most vital components. Because Jethro listens without judgment or interruption and genuinely rejoices with him, Moses is entirely open to his counsel.

Personal Limits

Over time Moses grows in self-awareness, learning to recognize his own personal limits and boundaries. While Exodus describes Jethro observing Moses and worrying he will wear himself out, Deuteronomy shows a mature Moses actively voicing his own burdens, “I am not able to bear you by myself.” (Deuteronomy 1:9)

Moses frames his challenge positively. He views the overwhelming population not as a nuisance but rather as a fulfillment of God’s blessing to Abram (Genesis 15:5). He even adds, “May the Lord, the God of your fathers, make you a thousand times as many as you are and bless you, as he has promised you” (verse 11).

This is a beautiful reminder that growth is not just about numbers; it’s about receiving God’s blessings and recognizing His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.

Righteous Leaders

Jethro’s organizational strategy was both practical and life-altering. By introducing a layered system, Moses was left to handle only the most difficult cases, ensuring that every problem—big or small—received proper attention. To maintain a stable and healthy community, capable leaders were appointed as the designated people to turn to during disputes. This responsibility was not open to just anyone who "felt like it"; it required, “able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe.” (Exodus 18:21)

Under God’s blueprint for sustainable, righteous leadership, Moses could not simply handpick leaders who danced to his tune or told him exactly what he wanted to hear. Instead, they had to be individuals who lived Godly, balanced lives, and who would genuinely, “win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” (Proverbs 3:4)

New Testament

In that very same spirit, the New Testament echoes this call for sincere leadership that leads by example. 1 Peter 5:2–3 describes it beautifully, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”

Furthermore, James 2 calls us to a standard of integrity and warns against favoritism, pointing out that everyone deserves a fair chance to be heard and valued, and challenges us to actively practice loving our neighbors as ourselves.

Reflection

In one way or another, we are all leaders—whether at home, in the workplace, or within our communities. Every daily encounter is a fresh opportunity to lead by example, reflecting the light of our Messiah Yeshua.

Take a moment to reflect: When someone else is speaking, am I truly listening and absorbing what they say, or am I just formulating my next reply?

Consider offering a prayer today to focus your heart and refine your communication skills.