“But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp.”
Context: The book of Numbers recounts the journey of the Israelites in the wilderness after their liberation from Egypt. In this particular passage, the people of Israel were grumbling and complaining about their food, longing for the meat and provisions they had in Egypt. Moses was overwhelmed with the burden of leading such a vast multitude, and he cried out to God, expressing his frustration and asking for help. God responded by instructing Moses to gather seventy elders from among the people to share in the burden of leadership.
Exegesis:
- “But there remained two of the men in the camp”: Out of the seventy elders chosen, two of them, Eldad and Medad, remained in the camp instead of going out to the tabernacle.
- “The spirit rested upon them”: The Spirit of God came upon Eldad and Medad, empowering them to prophesy.
- “They were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle”: Although Eldad and Medad were part of the seventy chosen elders, they did not go out to the tabernacle where the rest of the elders gathered.
- “And they prophesied in the camp”: Despite not being present at the tabernacle, Eldad and Medad began prophesying within the camp.
Lessons and Spiritual Insights:
- God’s Spirit is not limited by physical boundaries: The fact that Eldad and Medad remained in the camp did not prevent the Spirit of God from resting upon them. It demonstrates that God’s Spirit can move and work through individuals wherever they are.
- God’s calling is not restricted to specific structures: Eldad and Medad were not present in the designated meeting place, yet they still received the gift of prophecy. This teaches us that God’s calling and anointing are not confined to specific locations or institutions. He can raise up leaders and work through people in unexpected ways and places.
- God’s work is not dependent on human expectations: The Israelites might have expected the prophetic word to come exclusively from the elders gathered at the tabernacle. However, God demonstrated His sovereignty by anointing Eldad and Medad, who were outside the designated group. This reminds us that God’s work often exceeds our expectations and can come through unexpected sources.
- Unity in diversity: The fact that Eldad and Medad were prophesying in the camp while others were gathered at the tabernacle did not cause division or conflict. Instead, it highlights the beauty of diversity and multiple expressions of God’s gifting within the community. It teaches us to celebrate and appreciate the unique contributions of each member, recognizing that God can use different individuals in different ways.
Application:
- Acknowledge God’s sovereignty: Trust that God’s Spirit can work through you regardless of your circumstances or limitations. Be open to His leading and anointing wherever you are.
- Embrace unexpected opportunities: Be open to God’s calling, even if it doesn’t fit the expected mold. God may have unique plans and purposes for you that extend beyond traditional structures or expectations.
- Value diversity within the body of Christ: Recognize and appreciate the diverse gifts and callings of fellow believers. Encourage and support one another in the expression of those gifts, promoting unity and the edification of the entire community.
By studying this passage, we can gain a deeper understanding of God’s sovereignty, His ability to work through unexpected individuals, and the importance of unity and diversity within the body of Christ.
