Numbers 11:29 Study Bible: Moses said to him, "Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD's people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them."

◄ Numbers 11:29 ►

But Moses replied, "Are you jealous on my account? I wish that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would place His Spirit on them!"

Study Bible

But Moses replied
The Hebrew root for "replied" is עָנָה (anah), which means to answer or respond. This indicates Moses' immediate and thoughtful response to a situation that required wisdom and leadership. Moses, as a leader chosen by God, often found himself in situations where his responses were crucial for guiding the Israelites. His reply here reflects his humility and understanding of God's broader plan for His people.

Are you jealous on my account?
The word "jealous" comes from the Hebrew root קָנָא (qanah), which can mean to be zealous or envious. Moses addresses the concern of jealousy among his followers, emphasizing that their focus should not be on personal status or recognition. Historically, jealousy has been a recurring issue among the Israelites, often leading to discord and rebellion. Moses' rhetorical question challenges the people to examine their motives and align them with God's purposes.

I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets
The term "prophets" in Hebrew is נָבִיא (navi), referring to those who speak on behalf of God. Moses expresses a desire for all of God's people to have the ability to communicate directly with Him and to be His mouthpieces. This wish reflects a forward-looking vision of a community where everyone is spiritually empowered. It foreshadows the New Testament promise of the Holy Spirit being poured out on all believers, as seen in Acts 2:17-18.

and that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!
The phrase "put His Spirit upon them" is significant in the Hebrew context, where the Spirit of God (רוּחַ יְהוָה, Ruach Yahweh) is seen as the source of wisdom, strength, and prophecy. Moses' desire for God's Spirit to be upon all people highlights the transformative power of the Spirit, which enables individuals to fulfill God's purposes. This longing anticipates the New Covenant, where the Holy Spirit is given to all believers, empowering them to live out their faith and share God's message with the world.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader of the Israelites and a prophet of God. He expresses a desire for all of God's people to be filled with the Spirit and to prophesy.

2. Eldad and Medad
Two men who were among the seventy elders chosen to help Moses lead the people. They began to prophesy in the camp, which led to Joshua's concern.

3. Joshua
Moses' assistant and future leader of Israel, who expresses concern over Eldad and Medad prophesying, fearing it might undermine Moses' authority.

4. The Israelites
The people of God, who are in the wilderness journeying towards the Promised Land. They are the broader audience affected by the events and leadership decisions.

5. The Camp
The setting where the Israelites are encamped in the wilderness, and where Eldad and Medad prophesy.

Teaching Points

Desire for Spiritual Empowerment
Moses' wish reflects a heart that desires spiritual empowerment for all believers. We should pray for and encourage the spiritual growth and empowerment of others in our community.

Inclusivity in Ministry
Moses' response to Joshua shows a desire for inclusivity in ministry. We should be open to God using anyone He chooses, regardless of their position or status.

Jealousy in Ministry
Joshua's initial reaction reflects a common human tendency towards jealousy in ministry. We must guard against jealousy and instead celebrate when God uses others.

Prophetic Community
Moses' vision is for a community where all are open to the Spirit's leading. We should strive to be a community that listens to and acts upon the Spirit's guidance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Moses' response to Joshua challenge our understanding of leadership and authority in the church today?

2. In what ways can we encourage and support the spiritual gifts of others in our community, as Moses desired for the Israelites?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt jealous of someone else's spiritual gifts or ministry. How can Moses' attitude help you overcome such feelings?

4. How does the fulfillment of Moses' wish in Acts 2:17-18 impact our understanding of the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer today?

5. What practical steps can we take to foster a prophetic community that is open to the Spirit's leading, as Moses envisioned?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joel 2:28-29
This prophecy speaks of a future time when God's Spirit will be poured out on all people, echoing Moses' wish for all to prophesy.

Acts 2:17-18
On the day of Pentecost, Peter quotes Joel, indicating the fulfillment of the prophecy where the Spirit is given to all believers, aligning with Moses' desire.

1 Corinthians 14:1
Paul encourages believers to desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, which aligns with Moses' wish for all to prophesy.

Sermons

The Complainers, and How God Made Answer to Their Complaints	W. Binnie	Numbers 11:4-15; 31-35
Self-Will Surfeited and Punished	D. Young	Numbers 11:18-20; 31-35
Foolish Advice Wisely Rejected	D. Young	Numbers 11:26-29
Largeness of Heart	E.S. Prout	Numbers 11:26-29
Eldad and Medad; Or, Irregular Prophesying	W. Binnie	Numbers 11:26-30
All God's People Must Beware of Envy	W. Attersoll.	Numbers 11:27-30
Divine Inspiration	Dean Stanley.	Numbers 11:27-30
Eldad and Medad	A. G. Butler, D. D.	Numbers 11:27-30
God Calls All His People to be Prophets	Archdeacon Farrar.	Numbers 11:27-30
Monopoly and Freedom in Religious Teaching	Homilist	Numbers 11:27-30
Needless Envy	J. Parker, D. D.	Numbers 11:27-30
Noble to the Core	F. B. Meyer, B. A.	Numbers 11:27-30
The Increase of the Redeemer's Kingdom	H. Melvill, B. D.	Numbers 11:27-30
The Prophet's Work	Archdeacon Farrar.	Numbers 11:27-30
The Spirit Given to All	J. G. Butler, D. D.	Numbers 11:27-30
Young Men are Ordinarily Rash in Judging Others	W. Attersoll.	Numbers 11:27-30

People

Eldad, Israelites, Joshua, Medad, Moses, Nun

Places

Egypt, Hazeroth, Kibroth-hattaavah, Paran, Taberah

Topics

Account, Enviest, Envy, Jealous, Lord's, Moved, O, Prophets, Sake, Spirit, Wish, Zealous

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Numbers 11:4-34

4438 eating

Numbers 11:25-29

3272 Holy Spirit, in OT

Library

April 12. "They were as it Were, Complainers" (Num. xi. 1).
"They were as it were, complainers" (Num. xi. 1). There is a very remarkable phrase in the book of Numbers, in the account of the murmuring of the children of Israel in the wilderness. It reads like this: "When the people, as it were, murmured." Like most marginal readings it is better than the text, and a great world of suggestive truth lies back of that little sentence. In the distance we may see many a vivid picture rise before our imagination of people who do not dare to sin openly and unequivocally, …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. )
Ver. 1. "And it shall come to pass, afterwards, I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions." The communication of the Spirit of God was the constant prerogative of the Covenant-people. Indeed, the very idea of such a people necessarily requires it. For the Spirit of God is the only inward bond betwixt Him and that which is created; a Covenant-people, therefore, without such an inward …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Deaf Stammerer Healed and Four Thousand Fed.
^A Matt. XV. 30-39; ^B Mark VII. 32-VIII. 9. ^b 32 And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech [The man had evidently learned to speak before he lost his hearing. Some think that defective hearing had caused the impediment in his speech, but verse 35 suggests that he was tongue-tied]; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him. 33 And he took him aside from the multitude privately, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat, and touched his tongue [He separated …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Baptist's Testimony.
"There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came that he might bear witness of the light.... John beareth witness of Him, and crieth, saying, This was He of whom I said, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for He was before me. For of His fulness we all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses; grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. …
Marcus Dods—The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St. John, Vol. I

Third Sunday after Epiphany
Text: Romans 12, 16-21. 16 Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men. 19 Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord. 20 But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

False Ambition Versus Childlikeness.
(Capernaum, Autumn, a.d. 29.) ^A Matt. XVIII. 1-14; ^B Mark IX. 33-50; ^C Luke IX. 46-50. ^c 46 And there arose a reasoning among them, which of them was the greatest. ^b 33 And he came to Capernaum: ^c 47 But when Jesus saw the reasoning of their heart, ^b and when he was in the house [probably Simon Peter's house] he asked them, What were ye reasoning on the way? 34 But they held their peace: for they had disputed one with another on the way, who was the greatest. [The Lord with his disciples was …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
"The Holy Spirit was not yet given because that Jesus was not yet glorified."--John vii. 39. We have come to the most difficult part in the discussion of the work of the Holy Spirit, viz., the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the tenth day after the ascension. In the treatment of this subject it is not our aim to create a new interest in the celebration of Pentecost. We consider this almost impossible. Man's nature is too unspiritual for this. But we shall reverently endeavor to give a clearer insight …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Third Sunday Before Lent
Text: First Corinthians 9, 24-27; 10, 1-5. 24 Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain. 25 And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, as not uncertainly; so fight I, as not beating the air: 27 but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
(Jerusalem and Bethlehem, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 1-12. ^a 1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem [It lies five miles south by west of Jerusalem, a little to the east of the road to Hebron. It occupies part of the summit and sides of a narrow limestone ridge which shoots out eastward from the central chains of the Judæan mountains, and breaks down abruptly into deep valleys on the north, south, and east. Its old name, Ephrath, meant "the fruitful." Bethlehem means "house of bread." Its modern …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Messiah's Easy Yoke
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. T hough the influence of education and example, may dispose us to acknowledge the Gospel to be a revelation from God; it can only be rightly understood, or duly prized, by those persons who feel themselves in the circumstances of distress, which it is designed to relieve. No Israelite would think of fleeing to a city of refuge (Joshua 20:2. …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Of Immediate Revelation.
Of Immediate Revelation. [29] Seeing no man knoweth the Father but the Son, and he to whom the Son revealeth him; and seeing the revelation of the Son is in and by the Spirit; therefore the testimony of the Spirit is that alone by which the true knowledge of God hath been, is, and can be only revealed; who as, by the moving of his own Spirit, he disposed the chaos of this world into that wonderful order in which it was in the beginning, and created man a living soul, to rule and govern it, so by …
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

Blasphemous Accusations of the Jews.
(Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 22-37; ^B Mark III. 19-30; ^C Luke XI. 14-23. ^b 19 And he cometh into a house. [Whose house is not stated.] 20 And the multitude cometh together again [as on a previous occasion--Mark ii. 1], so that they could not so much as eat bread. [They could not sit down to a regular meal. A wonderful picture of the intense importunity of people and the corresponding eagerness of Jesus, who was as willing to do as they were to have done.] 21 And when his friends heard it, they went …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Appendix ii. Philo of Alexandria and Rabbinic Theology.
(Ad. vol. i. p. 42, note 4.) In comparing the allegorical Canons of Philo with those of Jewish traditionalism, we think first of all of the seven exegetical canons which are ascribed to Hillel. These bear chiefly the character of logical deductions, and as such were largely applied in the Halakhah. These seven canons were next expanded by R. Ishmael (in the first century) into thirteen, by the analysis of one of them (the 5th) into six, and the addition of this sound exegetical rule, that where two …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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