RAV KOOK ON VaYakheil Part 1: Choosing a Leader

Betzalel’s Appointment God informed Moses of Betzalel’s appointment to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle, and Moses subsequently apprised the people. According to the Midrash (Berachot 55a), however, this was not just a perfunctory notification. “God asked, ‘Moses, is Betzalel acceptable to you?’ ‘Master of the world,’ exclaimed Moses, ‘if he is acceptable to You, then certainly he is acceptable to me!’ ‘Nevertheless, I want you to speak with the people.’ “So Moses went to the people, and asked them, ‘Is Betzalel acceptable to you?’ ‘If he is acceptable to God and to you,’ responded the people, ‘then certainly he is acceptable to us!’ The Sages learned from this story a lesson in public appointments: one should seek the people’s approval before assigning a leader. Still, it seems superfluous for God Himself to consult with Moses and the people. Certainly God knows who is best qualified to organize the Tabernacle construction; why bother consulting with Moses and the people? Was this just a formality, out of politeness?