“May Hashem the G-d of the spirits of all flesh appoint a man over the congregation.” (Bamidbar 27:16)
“Why did [Moshe] make this request [for his own sons’ appointment] after the order of inheritances? Since the daughters of Tzelafchad inherited their father’s [property] Moshe said ‘… If daughters can inherit it’s only right that my sons inherit my station.’
“Hashem said to him ‘He who guards the fig tree shall eat its fruit. Your sons sat and did not involve themselves in Torah study.… Since he [Yehoshua] served you with all his strength he is worthy of serving the Jewish People and will not lose his reward. Thus ‘Take for yourself Yehoshua bin Nun’ ” (Midrash Rabbah 21).
Why did Moshe Rabbeinu think his sons should be appointed as the leaders when they weren’t worthy?
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