The Leaders of the Tribes

The definite leaders of the tribes of Israel, were Yosef and Yehuda. This was not only demonstrated in Egypt when Yosef revealed himself to his brothers, but in other instances as well.

The scene at the Red Sea, had Nachshon Ben Aminadav, from the Tribe of Yehuda, the first to jump into the water. He showed the faith and courage that was needed at that time.

The Rabbis wrote that the sea split in the merit of the bones of Yosef that they were carrying. Another point made was the use of the word, וינס, which means, “to move away.” The same word was used when Yosef “ran away” from the efforts of Potiphar’s wife to seduce him. This was another reason why it was said that the sea split in the merit of Yosef.

The terrible sin of the spies, came from the representatives of ten tribes. The tribes of Yehuda, led by Calev, and Yosef, led by Yehoshua, did not participate in giving an evil report about the Land of Israel.

The Mishkan, the portable Beit Hanikdash, built in the desert, found a resting place in Shilo for 369 years. This was in the territory designated for Yosef.

The Temple in Jerusalem, was in the territory of Yehuda, although parts of it were also in Binyamin’s territory.

It is also worthy of note, that Yehoshua did emerge as one of the great leaders of Israel. David and Shlomo descended from Yehuda.

Rav Kook made these observations to show that Yehuda and Yosef had a special role in guiding the Jewish people. They each had their unique approach in doing so, but they succeeded in helping the Jewish people survive, and ultimately, thrive.