Numbers 11:27
And there ranne a yong man, and tolde Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad doe prophesie in the campe. Numbers 11:27 (KJV)
Context: Numbers 11 records the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after the exodus from Egypt. In this scene Moses is leading the people in the desert of Sinai. Prior to verse 27 Moses had been burdened with the responsibility of leading and judging the whole nation. In response to his request for assistance, God instructed him to gather seventy elders to share the leadership load (Numbers 11:16‑18). The Lord promised to take some of the Spirit that was upon Moses and place it upon these elders, and as the Spirit rested on them they began to prophesy.
Eldad and Medad: While the seventy elders assembled at the tabernacle and received the Spirit, two men named Eldad and Medad remained in the camp. Although they were not present at the tabernacle, the Spirit of God still came upon them, and they began to prophesy there.
The Young Man’s Report: As Eldad and Medad were prophesying in the camp, a young man observed their activity and immediately ran to inform Moses. The text does not explain his motivation, but it is reasonable to assume he felt Moses needed to know what was happening.
Moses’ Response: The report reached Moses, and Joshua, Moses’ assistant, spoke up in verse 28, suggesting that Eldad and Medad be restrained, perhaps out of concern for Moses’ authority. Moses answered in verse 29 with a gracious and inclusive desire: “Would that all the LORD’s people were prophets, that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!”
Moses’ Desire: Moses’ reply shows humility and a lack of envy. He does not view the unexpected prophesying as a threat but as an opportunity for the whole community to experience the prophetic anointing. He recognizes that the work of leading Israel is too great for one person alone and longs for others to share in that responsibility.
Lessons and Applications:
Humility in leadership – Moses models humility by welcoming the gifts of others rather than guarding his position. Leaders today are encouraged to embrace and encourage the contributions and spiritual gifts of those they serve.
God’s inclusive nature – The Spirit is not confined to a select few; it can rest upon anyone according to God’s will. Eldad and Medad’s prophesying outside the prescribed setting reminds believers that God works beyond human expectations and boundaries.
The value of unity – Although Eldad and Medad prophesied apart from the assembled elders, their activity did not cause division. Moses’ response underscores the importance of unity and collaboration among God’s people.
