The People's Defense Attorney: Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev

Numbers 27,16. “let the Eternal, the God of the spirits of all flesh... appoint someone over the community.‎‏"‏‎

This is the general principle: We must presume innocence - that when we see someone who does not do the will of the Creator with consistency, like the angels do, it is because they are so weary from trying to sustain themselves.

Abraham was this way, a man of generous spirit (hesed), who would presume goodness. That is why he gave the angels food to eat, so they would understand the needs of flesh and blood, and not presume them guilty.

That is why Moses said, "God of the spirits of all flesh!" Because the human being, because they are flesh and blood, need to work to sustain themselves. And because of this, they sometimes do not serve God with consistency.

And that is why it says, "May the Eternal, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a leader..." That is, the one who judges and leads ought to be someone who always presumes Israel's innocence, just as You presume innocence for humanity when they cannot serve you constantly.

"Ah, you are beautiful, my darling, you are beautiful, with your eyes like doves." (Song of Songs 1:15)

This means to say that the Holy Blessed One is made glorious through God's People Israel, God's "beautiful darling," who are always doing good deeds for their Father in Heaven.

And even though some times they go off into to the markets and the streets seeking the things they desire - nevertheless, their every intention is for the sake of Heaven.

For if they make any money, they will distribute it to tzedakah, or spend it on the enjoyment of Shabbat and Holidays... which they can do if their needs are provided for.

That is why it says, "your eyes like doves," meaning, your eyes are always seeking to cling to your mate, the Holy Blessed One. She is like a dove, who never leaves her mate.

(4) ‎Numbers 20 “you are to speak to the rock in full view of ‎them...”: "Listen you rebels, shall I get water for you from this rock? And Moses raised his hand and struck the rock..."; “because you did not have enough faith in Me to ‎sanctify Me in full view of the Israelites.” ‎
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For there are two ways of giving rebuke to the People of Israel. Both methods are ‎designed to make the people carry out the will of the Creator. But one approach is to rebuke with positive words. That is, one explains to every Jew the greatness of his stature - that their very souls originate from beneath the Heavenly Throne; and how much contentment, so to speak, the Blessed Creator receives from the mitzvot that every Jew does; and the great joy that fills all worlds when a Jew performs the commandments of the Creator. These kinds of rebuke turn the hearts of the Children of Israel toward doing the will of the Blessed Creator, and accepting the yoke of the Kingdom of Heaven upon them.

The other method of rebuking the People of Israel is with harsh words, words that are meant to shame them into doing the will of the Creator.

The difference between these two methods is that the one who rebukes Israel with good words raises the soul of Israel higher and higher, speaking constantly of the righteousness and greatness of Israel, and how much power they have above. That person is fit to be a leader in Israel.

The one who rebukes the People of Israel with harsh words, however, is not.