Parashas Nitzavim · Passuk from filename
Torah Temimah points to Yerushalmi Horayos 3:5.
English: Moshe placed the heads before the elders, whereas regarding Yehoshua it is written “And Yehoshua called to his elders and to his heads,” because in Moshe’s time all were his disciples, while in Yehoshua’s time not all were his disciples.
Custom (A comparative diyuk between the order of terms in Moshe’s address and Yehoshua’s later address that reveals the relative standing of communal leaders and Torah scholars.)
The sequence in which leaders are listed is not accidental. When the teacher is Moshe, every person stands as a disciple; therefore the communal heads may be mentioned first without diminishing the honor of the elders (Torah scholars). When the leader is Yehoshua, the elders receive precedence so that the honor of Torah is not slighted. The derasha teaches sensitivity to the dignity of those who embody Torah knowledge.