Numbers 11:26 - But two men remained in the camp. The name of one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the Spirit rested on them; and they were of those who were written, but had not gone out to the Tent; and they prophesied in the camp.
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What does "Numbers 11:26" mean?
Numbers 11:26 is a small but significant verse that raises several questions and has been interpreted in different ways. Let's break it down:
"But two men remained in the camp. The name of one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad:" This sets the scene. Moses had gathered 70 elders to receive the Spirit of God and help him lead the Israelites. These two men, Eldad and Medad, were part of that group (implied in the following phrases). However, they didn't go to the designated meeting place, the Tent of Meeting.
"and the Spirit rested on them;" This is the crucial point. Despite not being physically present at the Tent of Meeting, the Spirit of God came upon them. This indicates that God's power and presence are not limited by physical location or adherence to specific rituals.
"and they were of those who were written, but had not gone out to the Tent;" This phrase is open to interpretation, but "those who were written" likely means they were among the 70 elders chosen by Moses at God's command (Numbers 11:16). The fact that they didn't go to the Tent of Meeting could be for a few reasons:
Humility/Unworthiness: Perhaps they felt unworthy or hesitant to assume the role of an elder.
Illness/Other Obligation: There could have been a legitimate reason preventing them from attending.
Skepticism/Lack of Faith: It's possible they doubted the process or didn't fully believe in the transfer of the Spirit. (Although this is least supported).
"and they prophesied in the camp." This is the result of the Spirit's presence. They began to speak divinely inspired messages (prophesy) within the Israelite camp, not at the Tent of Meeting.
Possible Interpretations and Significance:
God's Sovereignty: The verse highlights God's sovereignty and freedom in dispensing his Spirit. He is not bound by location or even strict adherence to prescribed rituals. If God chooses to empower someone outside the "official" channels, He is free to do so.
True Calling: Eldad and Medad's example demonstrates that a true calling is from God, not merely a position or title. Just because they weren't at the Tent doesn't invalidate their anointing.
Potential for Jealousy/Opposition: The verse foreshadows the jealousy and opposition that often arise when God works outside of people's expectations or traditions. In the following verses, someone reports Eldad and Medad's prophesying to Moses, and Joshua asks Moses to stop them.
Confirmation of Moses' Leadership: The fact that God empowered these men reinforces the authority of Moses. Even though they didn't follow the prescribed steps, God still honored the selection process.
Warning against Legalism: Some interpret this passage as a warning against rigid adherence to rules and regulations that can stifle the Spirit. God's work isn't always confined to traditional settings.
In summary, Numbers 11:26 describes an instance where God's Spirit came upon two men who were chosen for leadership but didn't participate in the designated ceremony. Their subsequent prophesying demonstrates God's sovereign choice and serves as a reminder that God's work can manifest in unexpected places and ways. It also raises questions about the importance of obedience, humility, and the potential for jealousy when God works outside of traditional structures.
Numbers 11:26 - But two men remained in the camp. The name of one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the Spirit rested on them; and they were of those who were written, but had not gone out to the Tent; and they prophesied in the camp.
What does "Numbers 11:26" mean?
Numbers 11:26 is a small but significant verse that raises several questions and has been interpreted in different ways. Let's break it down:
"But two men remained in the camp. The name of one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad:" This sets the scene. Moses had gathered 70 elders to receive the Spirit of God and help him lead the Israelites. These two men, Eldad and Medad, were part of that group (implied in the following phrases). However, they didn't go to the designated meeting place, the Tent of Meeting.
"and the Spirit rested on them;" This is the crucial point. Despite not being physically present at the Tent of Meeting, the Spirit of God came upon them. This indicates that God's power and presence are not limited by physical location or adherence to specific rituals.
"and they were of those who were written, but had not gone out to the Tent;" This phrase is open to interpretation, but "those who were written" likely means they were among the 70 elders chosen by Moses at God's command (Numbers 11:16). The fact that they didn't go to the Tent of Meeting could be for a few reasons:
Humility/Unworthiness: Perhaps they felt unworthy or hesitant to assume the role of an elder.
Illness/Other Obligation: There could have been a legitimate reason preventing them from attending.
Skepticism/Lack of Faith: It's possible they doubted the process or didn't fully believe in the transfer of the Spirit. (Although this is least supported).
"and they prophesied in the camp." This is the result of the Spirit's presence. They began to speak divinely inspired messages (prophesy) within the Israelite camp, not at the Tent of Meeting.
Possible Interpretations and Significance:
God's Sovereignty: The verse highlights God's sovereignty and freedom in dispensing his Spirit. He is not bound by location or even strict adherence to prescribed rituals. If God chooses to empower someone outside the "official" channels, He is free to do so.
True Calling: Eldad and Medad's example demonstrates that a true calling is from God, not merely a position or title. Just because they weren't at the Tent doesn't invalidate their anointing.
Potential for Jealousy/Opposition: The verse foreshadows the jealousy and opposition that often arise when God works outside of people's expectations or traditions. In the following verses, someone reports Eldad and Medad's prophesying to Moses, and Joshua asks Moses to stop them.
Confirmation of Moses' Leadership: The fact that God empowered these men reinforces the authority of Moses. Even though they didn't follow the prescribed steps, God still honored the selection process.
Warning against Legalism: Some interpret this passage as a warning against rigid adherence to rules and regulations that can stifle the Spirit. God's work isn't always confined to traditional settings.
In summary, Numbers 11:26 describes an instance where God's Spirit came upon two men who were chosen for leadership but didn't participate in the designated ceremony. Their subsequent prophesying demonstrates God's sovereign choice and serves as a reminder that God's work can manifest in unexpected places and ways. It also raises questions about the importance of obedience, humility, and the potential for jealousy when God works outside of traditional structures.