משה ואהרן בכהניו ושמואל בקראי שמו
Moshe v’Aharon b’Kohanav v’Yisrael b’korei Shemo
Moshe and Aharon (were) among his Kohanim and Shmuel among those who invoke His Name.
As mentioned, a number of similarities exist between the leadership of Moshe Rabbeinu and Shmuel HaNavi. Chazal (Taanis 5b) observe that all of Moshe’s achievements were enduring. None was destroyed in his lifetime. Shmuel’s most notable achievement was the anointment of Shaul HaMelech. Despite his later issues, Shaul outlived Shmuel. Moshe was a selfless leader who never derived any personal benefit from his position. Likewise, Shmuel’s authority was unimpeachable, his every action virtuous. Nowhere do we find any complaint concerning his rectitude. Moshe built the Mishkan. Shmuel was responsible for consecrating the Mishkan in Shiloh where he served as a Levi. Indeed, Eli Kohen Gadol trained him there.
The Shlah HaKadosh explains how Shmuel equaled Moshe and Aharon. Moshe stressed service between man and Hashem. Aharon focused on bein adam l’chaveiro, between man and his fellow man. Shmuel dedicated himself to synthesizing both of their avodos – to G-d and to man. Indeed, the Navi (Shmuel I, 2:26) praises the young Shmuel for being competent in both types of interaction, with Hashem and also with man.
