Skip to content
Logo Devotion Header
Journey Through the Bible

Numbers 11:25-29

25 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took of the Spirit that was on him and put the Spirit on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied, but they did not do so again.

26 However, two men, whose names were Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but did not go out to the Tent. Yet the Spirit also rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp.

27 A young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.”

28 Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ aide since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”

29 But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!”

Read the full chapter Numbers 11

A Deep Dive into Numbers 11:25-29: Meaning and Explanation

Numbers 11:25-29 offers a fascinating look into the workings of divine leadership and communal responsibility. This passage chronicles a moment where God extends his spirit to a group, offering vital insights into leadership and the distribution of spiritual gifts among the Israelites.

Contextual Background of Numbers 11

In the book of Numbers, Chapter 11, the Israelites are in the desert, grappling with the challenges of their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Moses faces the overwhelming burden of leading and managing the complaints and needs of the people. In this context, God provides a solution by sharing the spirit bestowed upon Moses with seventy elders.

Key Themes and Meanings

  1. The Spirit of God as a Source of Empowerment
    • Verse 25 describes God’s spirit resting upon the elders, signifying empowerment and the broadening of leadership roles. This demonstrates how divine intervention can equip communities to handle challenges collectively.
  2. Communal Leadership
    • The selection of the seventy elders underscores the importance of shared leadership and distributed responsibility. Leadership in this context is not about singular power but communal involvement and support.
  3. The Inclusivity of Divine Gifts
    • In verses 26-29, the story of Eldad and Medad prophesying despite not being at the tent showcases God’s unrestricted and inclusive nature. Moses’ reaction highlights openness to God’s work in unexpected places and people.

Explanation and Lessons

  • The distribution of the spirit among the elders can be seen as an early model of collective spiritual leadership, echoing principles of inclusivity and shared responsibility.
  • This narrative encourages modern readers to value diversity in spiritual gifts and recognize the potential for multiple leaders contributing to a community’s well-being.
  • Moses’ acceptance of Eldad and Medad’s unexpected prophetic actions teaches humility and openness to divine action beyond human structures.

Conclusion

Numbers 11:25-29 provides profound insights into how leadership and spiritual gifts extend beyond singular figures to broader communities. It encourages readers to embrace inclusive leadership and recognize the diverse ways in which divine empowerment can manifest within a group.

Cross References for Numbers 11:25-29

Numbers 11:17 - I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put... Click to read the verse Numbers 11:17 Click to read the verse Numbers 11:17

James 1:17 - Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, ... Click to read the verse James 1:17 Click to read the verse James 1:17

Luke 2:25 - Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting fo... Click to read the verse Luke 2:25 Click to read the verse Luke 2:25

2 Kings 2:15 - The company of the prophets from Jericho, who were watching, said, “The spirit of Elijah is res... Click to read the verse 2 Kings 2:15 Click to read the verse 2 Kings 2:15

Judges 11:29 - Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah. He crossed Gilead and Manasseh, passed through ... Click to read the verse Judges 11:29 Click to read the verse Judges 11:29

Acts 11:28 - One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would... Click to read the verse Acts 11:28 Click to read the verse Acts 11:28

Psalms 99:7 - He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them. Click to read the verse Psalms 99:7 Click to read the verse Psalms 99:7

Luke 9:34-35 - While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entere... Click to read the verse Luke 9:34-35 Click to read the verse Luke 9:34-35

Exodus 34:5 - Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. Click to read the verse Exodus 34:5 Click to read the verse Exodus 34:5

Ezekiel 8:11 - In front of them stood seventy elders of the house of Israel, and Jaazaniah son of Shaphan was ... Click to read the verse Ezekiel 8:11 Click to read the verse Ezekiel 8:11

John 3:34 - For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. Click to read the verse John 3:34 Click to read the verse John 3:34

Exodus 40:38 - So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in... Click to read the verse Exodus 40:38 Click to read the verse Exodus 40:38

Leviticus 4:15 - The elders of the community are to lay their hands on the bull’s head before the Lord, and the ... Click to read the verse Leviticus 4:15 Click to read the verse Leviticus 4:15

2 Kings 2:9 - When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken... Click to read the verse 2 Kings 2:9 Click to read the verse 2 Kings 2:9

1 Samuel 10:6 - The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you wi... Click to read the verse 1 Samuel 10:6 Click to read the verse 1 Samuel 10:6

Numbers 12:5 - Then the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud; he stood at the entrance to the Tent and summoned... Click to read the verse Numbers 12:5 Click to read the verse Numbers 12:5

1 Corinthians 14:1-3 - Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especi... Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:1-3 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:1-3

Joel 2:28-29 - The Day of the Lord “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daug... Click to read the verse Joel 2:28-29 Click to read the verse Joel 2:28-29

1 Samuel 19:20-24 - so he sent men to capture him. But when they saw a group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel s... Click to read the verse 1 Samuel 19:20-24 Click to read the verse 1 Samuel 19:20-24

Acts 2:17-18 - “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters ... Click to read the verse Acts 2:17-18 Click to read the verse Acts 2:17-18

1 Samuel 10:10 - When they arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came upon him ... Click to read the verse 1 Samuel 10:10 Click to read the verse 1 Samuel 10:10

2 Peter 1:21 - For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carri... Click to read the verse 2 Peter 1:21 Click to read the verse 2 Peter 1:21

Jeremiah 36:5-6 - Then Jeremiah told Baruch, “I am restricted; I cannot go to the Lord’s temple. Click to read the verse Jeremiah 36:5-6 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 36:5-6

1 Samuel 10:5-6 - “After that you will go to Gibeah of God, where there is a Philistine outpost. As you approach ... Click to read the verse 1 Samuel 10:5-6 Click to read the verse 1 Samuel 10:5-6

Acts 21:9-11 - He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. Click to read the verse Acts 21:9-11 Click to read the verse Acts 21:9-11

1 Corinthians 11:4-5 - Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 11:4-5 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 11:4-5

1 Corinthians 14:32 - The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:32 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 14:32

Numbers 16:25 - Moses got up and went to Dathan and Abiram, and the elders of Israel followed him. Click to read the verse Numbers 16:25 Click to read the verse Numbers 16:25

Judges 3:10 - The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, so that he became Israel’s judge and went to war. The Lor... Click to read the verse Judges 3:10 Click to read the verse Judges 3:10

Isaiah 63:11 - Then his people recalled the days of old, the days of Moses and his people— where is he who bro... Click to read the verse Isaiah 63:11 Click to read the verse Isaiah 63:11

Luke 1:67 - Zechariah’s Song His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: Click to read the verse Luke 1:67 Click to read the verse Luke 1:67