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The pasuk does not explicitly detail the criteria for these appointees. Rashi picks up on the words "that you know that they are the elders of the nation and their officers" and identifies them as the taskmasters who were responsible in Egypt to ensure that their brethren, the slaves, kept up with the Egyptians’ expectations of them (see overlapping title in Shemot 5:14). They were rewarded for sparing their brothers from the Egyptians’ whippings and absorbing them themselves by receiving the distinction of leadership and Divine Spirit.
According to Rashi, selfless dedication to the nation is the top factor in the future leader’s resume. Only one who can put his own self-interests aside and put up with great difficulties is worthy of such a high post and spiritual level.
The Ramban paves a new path in the matter, whose elements we will now summarize: 1. The number 70 represents leadership. For that reason, there are 70 "officers" (angels) over the nations of the world. There are also 70 special angels in Hashem’s "government" (Pirkei D’Rabbi Eliezer 24). Likewise, there are also 70 members of the Sanhedrin. 2. The number 70 represents all of the opinions and all of the points of strength. After hearing all of the possible points of view, the decision-making body can arrive at a proper decision. This approach highlights the importance of humility, in that all must get used to hearing other opinions, as unity comes from a proper approach to diversity, not from uniformity. 3. When leadership is chosen in such a way, the number 70 provides the right backdrop for having the Divine Presence dwell among the assembly. Such Divine Presence is the greatest goal, and it comes about when people are able to combine their strengths for a common goal.
The Ramban also takes this idea into the realm of the judiciary. The Sanhedrin are not only the "eyes of the congregation" but also the members of the highest court of justice. Therefore, this court, sitting in the Temple complex has to include 70 members to be valid. In his time, it had to have Moshe presiding over them. This is hinted at by the pasuk (Tehillim 82:1): "Hashem is present among the congregation of G-d, in the midst of the judges shall He judge." It is His Divine Presence that gives the court its spiritual ability.
May our general leadership and our judicial system be blessed with the Divine Assistance to act in a manner that promotes the needs of the people.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
