Numbers 11:28 - Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his chosen men, answered, “My lord Moses, forbid them!”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Numbers 11:28" mean?
This verse from Numbers 11:28 is part of a larger narrative about God placing the spirit of prophecy upon seventy elders to help Moses lead the Israelites. Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning and context:
Context: Moses is overwhelmed with the burden of leading the Israelites. God provides a solution by taking some of the spirit that's upon Moses and placing it on seventy elders. These elders begin to prophesy in the camp. Two men, Eldad and Medad, who were listed among the elders but didn't go to the tent of meeting, also begin to prophesy in the camp.
"Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses...": This identifies the speaker. Joshua is a key figure, known as Moses' loyal assistant and designated successor. He's always by Moses' side, learning and preparing to lead. He's deeply devoted to Moses.
"...one of his chosen men...": This highlights Joshua's special status and his close relationship with Moses. He's more than just a servant; he's a trusted confidant and selected for leadership.
"...answered, “My lord Moses, forbid them!”": This is the core of the verse. Joshua is reporting to Moses that Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp, and he urges Moses to stop them. Joshua sees this as a challenge to Moses' authority. He believes that prophecy should be regulated and confined to those officially designated. He's trying to protect Moses' unique position as the primary recipient of God's word. He's acting out of loyalty and concern for order.
Key Interpretations & Significance:
Zeal for Moses' Authority: Joshua's immediate reaction shows his strong devotion and respect for Moses' leadership. He fears that independent prophesying might undermine Moses' authority and create confusion.
Control vs. Freedom of the Spirit: The verse raises the question of who has the right to prophesy and whether the spirit of God should be controlled or allowed to flow freely.
Contrast with Moses' Response: What makes this passage particularly significant is Moses' reaction in the following verse (Numbers 11:29). He responds, "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!” Moses, unlike Joshua, is not concerned with protecting his own authority. He desires that everyone would have access to God's spirit and be able to prophesy.
Foreshadowing: The story can be seen as foreshadowing the time when prophecy would be more widely distributed, a concept later realized in the New Testament with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
In Summary:
The verse highlights Joshua's loyalty to Moses, his concern for order and authority, and provides a contrast with Moses' more generous and visionary desire for widespread access to God's spirit. It is a pivotal moment in the narrative that explores themes of leadership, authority, and the nature of prophecy.
Numbers 11:28 - Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his chosen men, answered, “My lord Moses, forbid them!”
What does "Numbers 11:28" mean?
This verse from Numbers 11:28 is part of a larger narrative about God placing the spirit of prophecy upon seventy elders to help Moses lead the Israelites. Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning and context:
Context: Moses is overwhelmed with the burden of leading the Israelites. God provides a solution by taking some of the spirit that's upon Moses and placing it on seventy elders. These elders begin to prophesy in the camp. Two men, Eldad and Medad, who were listed among the elders but didn't go to the tent of meeting, also begin to prophesy in the camp.
"Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses...": This identifies the speaker. Joshua is a key figure, known as Moses' loyal assistant and designated successor. He's always by Moses' side, learning and preparing to lead. He's deeply devoted to Moses.
"...one of his chosen men...": This highlights Joshua's special status and his close relationship with Moses. He's more than just a servant; he's a trusted confidant and selected for leadership.
"...answered, “My lord Moses, forbid them!”": This is the core of the verse. Joshua is reporting to Moses that Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp, and he urges Moses to stop them. Joshua sees this as a challenge to Moses' authority. He believes that prophecy should be regulated and confined to those officially designated. He's trying to protect Moses' unique position as the primary recipient of God's word. He's acting out of loyalty and concern for order.
Key Interpretations & Significance:
Zeal for Moses' Authority: Joshua's immediate reaction shows his strong devotion and respect for Moses' leadership. He fears that independent prophesying might undermine Moses' authority and create confusion.
Control vs. Freedom of the Spirit: The verse raises the question of who has the right to prophesy and whether the spirit of God should be controlled or allowed to flow freely.
Contrast with Moses' Response: What makes this passage particularly significant is Moses' reaction in the following verse (Numbers 11:29). He responds, "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!” Moses, unlike Joshua, is not concerned with protecting his own authority. He desires that everyone would have access to God's spirit and be able to prophesy.
Foreshadowing: The story can be seen as foreshadowing the time when prophecy would be more widely distributed, a concept later realized in the New Testament with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
In Summary:
The verse highlights Joshua's loyalty to Moses, his concern for order and authority, and provides a contrast with Moses' more generous and visionary desire for widespread access to God's spirit. It is a pivotal moment in the narrative that explores themes of leadership, authority, and the nature of prophecy.