ייִדישער מחשבֿה אויף ירמיהו 3:15

(5) The instruction to ascend Mount Avarim was not meant to be carried out immediately, neither was Moses to die immediately. Rather, G'd announced His plan at this point to enable Moses to make arrangements for his succession and to make supplication to G'd concerning the decree. G'd wanted Moses' successor to have been chosen with his complete approval. (6) Moses appeals to G'd in His capacity as providing man with the spirit that makes him successful in managing his life. He prays for a leader who not only commands authority, but who also acts as a true shepherd of his flock. The first "he will lead them out and bring them back," refers to his authority, the second similar statement to the shepherd like manner in which such authority is to be wielded. In addition, G'd tells Moses that the leader will subordinate himself to the religious authority of Eleazar in his capacity as the High Priest. Through him, he will consult with G'd on critical issues. We then read about communal offerings, to remind us of the ultimate purpose of Israel's residence in the holy land. If the conquest of the land was to be used for serving, at the table of G'd, then, and only then could the people be certain to be the recipients of G'ds unlimited bounty.

Leb (heart) denotes also “will”; comp. “And I shall give you pastors according to my will (libbi)” (Jer. 3:15), “Is thine heart right as my heart is?” (2 Kings 10:15), i.e., is thy will right as my will is? In this sense the word has been figuratively applied to God. Comp. “That shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my soul” (1 Sam. 2:35), i.e., according to My will; “And mine eyes and mine heart (i.e., My providence and My will) shall be there perpetually” (1 Kings 9:3).