Parshat Matot–Masei: Trust, Transition, and the Long Game

It’s a double whammy this week in this double parsha. In Matot, the tribes of Reuben and Gad ask to settle east of the Jordan. Moses challenges them hard, but ultimately agrees after locking in a public commitment. In Masei, the Torah recounts every stop along the Israelites’ journey, then turns to the future: setting land boundaries, establishing leadership for tribal inheritance, and preparing to cross into the Promised Land.

This double portion is all about knowing when to challenge, when to trust, and how to lead with one eye on what comes next.

Digging Deeper

1. Matot – Leading Through Negotiation, Not Assumption

When Reuben and Gad say they want to settle outside the Promised Land, Moses assumes the worst (the opposite of assuming best intention): that they’re bailing on the rest of the community. He accuses them of repeating the sin of the spies (32:6–15). But instead of backing down, the tribes clarify: they’ll join the fight first and only settle down after the land is conquered.

To his credit, Moses listens. He adapts. Then he restates their offer publicly, makes the terms clear, and even throws in a gentle “don’t make me regret this” clause (if you’re lying, G-d will know and he won’t be happy. (32:23)).

The leadership move here is huge: listen past your assumptions, create shared expectations, and hold people accountable.

2. Masei – Building for a Future You Won’t See

Masei opens with a(n exhauting) list of all 42 stops the Israelites made in the desert (Numbers 33:1–49). Then, with just a few verses left in his leadership, Moses turns to the future:

• He defines the borders of the land (33:50–56)
• He outlines how it will be divided (34:13)
• He names the leaders who will carry it out (34:16–29)

Moses won’t step foot into the land but he makes sure others can thrive there.
That’s legacy leadership: not controlling every step, but setting up systems, people, and clarity so the work outlives you.

Leadership Takeaway

Real leadership means trusting others to rise and preparing for a future you might not see. Whether you’re handing off a project or guiding a team through change, your legacy is built through trust, clarity, accountability and the courage to step back.

Weekly Leadership Challenge

This week, try leading with both trust and foresight:

• Let someone else take the lead but set them up to succeed.
• Revisit a commitment (yours or someone else’s) and make sure it’s still clear.
• Map out one “next step” for something you won’t be leading but still care about.