Power in Numbers?

The book of Leviticus and the book Numbers occur at very similar times in the Israelite's journey. Leviticus tells the story of God explaining the laws to Moses and Aaron, who then repeat them for the nation. In Numbers, the Torah tells the story of what actually happens during the forty years the Jews spend in the desert. The fourth book begins with God requesting that Moses and Aaron take a census, thus explaining the name Numbers. The Israelites organize themselves into twelve tribes, each named after one of the twelve sons of Jacob. The tribes vary in size, but the total number is 603,550 men ranging from ages 20 to 60 years. God seeks to gather an understanding of the size of Israel before they venture too far into the desert.

The people of the Torah and common members in any modern democracy govern themselves in similar ways. In both systems, the few lead the majority, representing those who put them in power. Just as Moses represents God to the 603,550 male Israelites. their wives, and their children,  Barack Obama symbolizes the United States and the majority of voting citizens who selected him for office. However, many Israelite's opinions mostly likely differed from those of Moses, and many see the Obama Administration as an abomination. Leaders intend to represents those who put them in power, but matters often go askew. Would it not be better if we removed the middle man? How different would society be if the many ruled over the many?

While the support of many people brings about positive change,  true success starts with the solid control of one, firm leader. Such a person propels a movement to its great accomplishments. When committees converse controversial issues, progress stagers in debate. With any group, organization is the first key to success. All achievements begin with a plan, and one individual overseeing this preparation traditionally makes the execution more direct. Throughout history, the greatest protests started with an idea and a thinker. Then, that person spread their thoughts to a larger movement. Martin Luther King, for instance, spurred one of the most driven movements in American history. He embodied his cause, organized his thoughts, formulated a plan, and then called on the support of others.
Power in numbers only comes last on the list of ingredients for change, following decent leadership and  strategic planning. In the cases where few rule over the many, no disconnect exists. They simply gather the thoughts of their subjects, communicating them to God or the world.