The appointment of the seventy elders is a significant event in the Old Testament, found in the Book of Numbers, chapter 11. This event marks a pivotal moment in the leadership structure of the Israelites during their wilderness journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

Context and Background

The Israelites, having been delivered from Egyptian bondage, were journeying through the wilderness under the leadership of Moses. As the people traveled, they began to complain about their hardships and the lack of variety in their diet, particularly longing for the foods they had in Egypt. Moses, overwhelmed by the burden of leading such a large and often discontented group, cried out to the LORD for assistance.

Divine Instruction

In response to Moses' plea, the LORD provided a solution by instructing him to gather seventy men from among the elders of Israel. These men were to be recognized leaders and officials among the people. The LORD promised to take some of the Spirit that was upon Moses and bestow it upon these seventy elders, enabling them to share the burden of leadership.

Numbers 11:16-17 states: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Bring Me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you. And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself.'"

The Gathering and Anointing

Moses obeyed the LORD's command and gathered the seventy elders around the Tent of Meeting. The LORD descended in a cloud and spoke with Moses, taking some of the Spirit that was on him and distributing it to the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, although they did not continue to do so afterward.

Numbers 11:24-25 records: "So Moses went out and told the people the words of the LORD. He gathered seventy of the elders of the people and had them stand around the Tent. Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and He took some of the Spirit that was on him and put the Spirit on the seventy elders. As the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but they never did so again."

Significance

The appointment of the seventy elders is significant for several reasons. It represents a divinely sanctioned delegation of authority, illustrating the importance of shared leadership and the distribution of responsibilities. This event also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering leaders to fulfill their duties. The Spirit's presence among the elders served as a confirmation of their divine appointment and equipped them to assist Moses in governing the people.

Furthermore, this event foreshadows the New Testament account of Jesus appointing seventy (or seventy-two, depending on the manuscript) disciples to go ahead of Him, as recorded in Luke 10:1. This parallel underscores the continuity of God's plan in raising leaders to guide His people throughout biblical history.

Conclusion

The appointment of the seventy elders is a testament to God's provision and wisdom in addressing the needs of His people. It underscores the importance of spiritual empowerment and the collaborative effort required in leadership, setting a precedent for future generations in both the Old and New Testaments.