Beshalach: The Humility of a Leader

By Rabbi Yonah Burr

ויקח משה את עצמות יוסף עמו כי השבע השביע את בני ישראל לאמר פקד יפקד אלקים אתכם והעליתם את עצמתי מזה אתכם

Moshe took the bones of Yosef with him, for he firmly adjured the Children of Israel, saying, ‘Hashem will surely remember you, and you shall bring up my bones from here with you.'

Our Sages praise Moshe for taking responsibility for the bones of Yosef. While the rest of the nation was occupied with gathering the gold and silver of Egypt, Moshe busied himself with fulfilling the ancient oath made to Yosef.

The Sages point out a beautiful "measure for measure" (mida k'neged mida) result: because Moshe ensured a proper burial for Yosef, Hashem Himself took responsibility for Moshe’s burial.

Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l asks a penetrating question: If the Torah wants to highlight the nobility of Moshe’s actions, why does it mention that Yosef imposed an oath? Usually, an oath implies a lack of trust or a legal obligation. By mentioning the oath, the Torah seems to frame Moshe's effort as a duty he was forced to perform, rather than a voluntary act of chessed, which would seemingly diminish the nobility of his actions.

Rav Moshe explains that, in truth, Yosef had no logical reason to worry that the people would neglect his remains. Every member of the nation owed him a massive debt of gratitude for sustaining them during the famine and providing for them throughout the exile. Arguably, without Yosef’s foresight, the Jewish People may not have survived Egypt at all.

So, why did Yosef insist on an oath?

The answer lies in his profound humility.

Yosef did not view himself as a savior or a person of unique importance. He believed he was simply in a position to help, so he did. He viewed his monumental achievements as "just doing his job"—convinced that anyone else in his shoes would have done the same. Because he didn't see himself as a hero, he didn't assume anyone would feel indebted to him.

This humility was the very "greatness" that Moshe recognized. Moshe didn't just want to carry a coffin; he wanted to be attached to the legacy of a man who could rule an empire yet remain completely self-effaced. Because Moshe jumped at the opportunity to honor such a person, he merited that Hashem personally attended to him.

The Torah often emphasizes character over external accomplishments. Yosef’s greatness wasn't just in saving a nation, but in his attitude that he was simply fulfilling his role. May we merit the clarity to do great things with that same sense of simple duty and genuine humility.

Have a wonderful Shabbos!