The final section of Parashat Pinchas discusses the temidin u-musafin, the public sacrifices that were brought in the Beit Ha-mikdash each day and on special occasions.  The Sifrei offers an explanation for the juxtaposition between these commands and the preceding section, which tells of the formal appointment of Yehoshua as Moshe’s successor: “The Almighty said to him: Before you command Me with regard to My children, command My children with regard to Me.”  Moshe had petitioned God to name a successor to ensure that Benei Yisrael would be properly cared for after his passing.  God responded by instructing him to formally appoint Yehoshua for this role, but according to the Sifrei, this was not God’s only response to Moshe’s petition. He also demanded that before Moshe “commands” Him to worry about Benei Yisrael, he must concern himself to ensure that Benei Yisrael fulfill their obligations to God.  “Before you command Me with regard to My children, command My children with regard to Me.” 

            Moshe understood that his imminent death could potentially leave Benei Yisrael in a precarious situation.  They had received and studied the Torah from him, and have followed his guidance and been inspired by his leadership since they were slaves in Egypt.  Their faith and devotion to God was cultivated by Moshe, and it was naturally questionable whether it would be sustained after his passing.  Moshe therefore insisted that God step in to provide Benei Yisrael with the leadership they would need going forward.  He begged that the Almighty give them the conditions they would need to survive the imminent transition and remain one people united in their commitment to God. 

            God complied with Moshe’s demand, but added that this is not sufficient.  We are certainly entitled to request that the Almighty provide us with conditions which enable us to serve Him properly and fulfill our obligations, but ultimately, this is our responsibility.  It is wrong to sit and wait for the circumstances to be suitable for Torah observance.  We are God’s servants in whatever circumstances He puts us in.  And thus it is insufficient to ask for conditions that are conducive to avodat Hashem.  The Sifrei teaches that even if God would not have granted Moshe’s request to appoint a capable and qualified leader, it would still have been Benei Yisrael’s responsibility to continue serving God with sincere and unshakable devotion.  We can ask for ideal conditions, but we are responsible to obey His commands even when the conditions are difficult.