Numbers 11:27

A young man ran and reported to Moses, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp."

Study Bible

A young man ran
The phrase "A young man ran" indicates urgency and immediacy in the situation. In the Hebrew context, the term for "young man" (נַעַר, na'ar) often refers to a servant or a youth, suggesting someone who is attentive and responsive to the needs of the community. The act of running signifies the importance of the message he carries, reflecting a culture where oral communication was vital for the dissemination of news. This urgency underscores the significance of the event taking place, as it was unusual and noteworthy.

and reported to Moses
The act of reporting to Moses highlights the established leadership and authority Moses held among the Israelites. Moses, as the chosen leader and prophet, was the central figure through whom God communicated His will. The Hebrew root for "reported" (נָגַד, nagad) implies making something known or declaring it openly. This reflects the transparency and accountability expected in the community, where significant events were brought to the attention of the leader for guidance and decision-making.

'Eldad and Medad are prophesying
"Eldad and Medad" are unique figures in this narrative, and their prophesying is significant. The Hebrew term for "prophesying" (נִבָּא, naba) involves speaking under divine inspiration. This event is remarkable because it occurs outside the usual setting of the tabernacle, indicating that God's Spirit was not confined to a specific place or group. The inclusion of Eldad and Medad, who were not part of the seventy elders gathered at the tent, demonstrates God's sovereignty and freedom to choose His instruments, emphasizing that His Spirit can work beyond human expectations and structures.

in the camp
The phrase "in the camp" situates the event within the everyday life of the Israelites. The camp was the center of Israelite life during their wilderness journey, representing the community and the presence of God among His people. The fact that Eldad and Medad were prophesying within the camp, rather than at the tent of meeting, signifies the democratization of the Spirit's work, suggesting that God's presence and power were accessible to all, not just the appointed leaders. This foreshadows the New Testament understanding of the Holy Spirit being available to all believers, as seen in the outpouring at Pentecost.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. Moses is a central figure in the account, representing God's authority and leadership.

2. Eldad and Medad
Two of the seventy elders chosen to assist Moses. They were not present at the tent of meeting when the Spirit rested on the elders, yet they prophesied in the camp, indicating God's sovereign choice and the outpouring of His Spirit.

3. The Camp
Refers to the encampment of the Israelites in the wilderness. It is significant as the place where God's people dwell and where His presence and actions are manifested among them.

4. The Young Man
An unnamed individual who witnesses the prophesying of Eldad and Medad and reports it to Moses. His role is crucial in bringing the event to Moses' attention.

5. The Tent of Meeting
The designated place where Moses and the elders were to gather, and where God's presence was often manifested. It symbolizes God's dwelling among His people and His communication with them.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Choosing Leaders
God can choose and empower individuals in unexpected ways, as seen with Eldad and Medad. We should remain open to God's choices and not limit His work to our expectations.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to fulfill God's purposes. Just as Eldad and Medad prophesied, we should seek to be open vessels for the Spirit's work in our lives.

Community and Accountability
The young man's report to Moses shows the importance of community and accountability. We should be attentive to God's work in our midst and communicate it within our faith communities.

Encouragement of Spiritual Gifts
Moses' response to the prophesying (later in the chapter) encourages the use of spiritual gifts. We should foster an environment where spiritual gifts are recognized and encouraged.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the event of Eldad and Medad prophesying challenge our understanding of who God can use for His purposes?

2. In what ways can we be more open to the unexpected workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives and communities?

3. How does the concept of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 relate to the prophesying of Eldad and Medad?

4. What can we learn from the young man's role in reporting the event to Moses about the importance of communication within the church?

5. How can we encourage and nurture the use of spiritual gifts within our own faith communities, following Moses' example?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joel 2:28-29
This passage speaks of God's Spirit being poured out on all people, leading to prophecy and visions. The event with Eldad and Medad foreshadows this broader outpouring of the Spirit.

Acts 2:17-18
On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit is poured out on all believers, fulfilling the prophecy in Joel. This connects to the unexpected prophesying of Eldad and Medad, showing God's Spirit working beyond human expectations.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Discusses the diversity of spiritual gifts given by the same Spirit. Eldad and Medad's prophesying highlights the variety of ways God can use individuals for His purposes.