Numbers 11:26
WEB
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. They were of those who were written, but had not gone out to the Tent; and they prophesied in the camp.
BSB
Two men, however, had remained in the camp—one named Eldad and the other Medad—and the Spirit rested on them. They were among those listed, but they had not gone out to the tent, and they prophesied in the camp.
KJV
But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp.
Matthew Henry
Hebrew interlinear
H7604
v — swell, be, make, redundant
Derivation: a primitive root;
properly, to swell up, i.e. be (causatively, make) redundant
KJV: leave, (be) left, let, remain, remnant, reserve, the rest.
vb — remain
שָׁאַר 133 vb. remain, be left over
Qalthe youngest still remains
Niph.
1. be left over
2. be left behind
Hiph.
1. leave over, spare
2. leave or keep over
3. the city shall have 100 left
4. leave as a gift
H8147
n — two, twofold
Derivation: dual of 8145; feminine שְׁתַּיִם;
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, twelfth, twelve, twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two.
n.m — two
שְׁנַ֫יִם, שְׁתַּיִם 768 n.m. et f. du. two
H376
n-m — man
Derivation: contracted for 582 (or perhaps rather from an unused root meaning to be extant);
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), none, one, people, person, steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare 802.
n.m — man
אִישׁ 2166 n.m. man (= vir)
H4264
n-m — encampment, army
Derivation: from 2583;
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or even the sacred courts)
KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents.
n.m — encampment
מַחֲנֶה 214 n.m. and f. encampment, camp
1. camp, place of encampment
2. camp of armed host
3.
a. those who encamp
b. company, body of people
c. army, host
H8034
n-m — appellation, honor, authority, character
Derivation: a primitive word [perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare 8064];
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
KJV: base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.
n.m — name
שֵׁם 864 n.m. name (√ unknown)
1. of river, beasts, city, i.e. exact designation of it
2.
a. usu. of pers.
b. = reputation
c. esp. as giving a man a kind of posthumous life, esp. in his sons
3. name, as designation of God
4. of false gods, use forbidden
5. = memorial, monument
H259
a — united, one, first
Derivation: a numeral from 258;
properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first
KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), eleven, every, few, first, highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together,
adj.num — one
אֶחָד 972 adj.num. one
1. one
2. = each, every
3. = a certain
4. = indef. art.
5. only, & (fem.) once
6. one … another, one … the other
7. as ordinal first
8. in combin.
H419
n-pr-m — Eldad
Derivation: from 410 and 1730; God has loved;
Eldad, an Israelite
KJV: Eldad.
n.pr.m — Eldad
אֶלְדָּד n.pr.m. (God has loved)
H8145
n — double, second, again
Derivation: from 8138;
properly, double, i.e. second; also adverbially, again
KJV: again, either (of them), (an-) other, second (time).
m — second
שֵׁנִי m. שֵׁנִית f. 157 adj.num.ord. second
H4312
n-pr-m — Medad
Derivation: from 3032 in the sense of loving; affectionate;
Medad, an Israelite
KJV: Medad.
n.pr.m — Medad
מֵידָד n.pr.m. one who prophesied in the camp of Isr.
H5117
v — rest, settle, dwell, stay, let fall, place, let alone, withdraw, give comfort
Derivation: a primitive root;
to rest, i.e. settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, let fall, place, let alone, withdraw, give comfort, etc.)
KJV: cease, be confederate, lay, let down, (be) quiet, remain, (cause to, be at, give, have, make to) rest, set down. Compare 3241.
vb — rest
נוּחַ vb. rest
Qal
1. rest, settle down and remain
2. repose, be quiet, have rest
Hiph.
A.
1. cause to rest = give rest to
2. cause to rest (i.e. light) upon
B.
1. lay or set down, deposit, let lie
2. let remain, leave (in present condition)
3. leave = depart from
4. abandon
5. let alone (refrain from interfering with)
6. permit
Hoph.
A. no rest is granted to us
B. as subst. = space left, open space
H5921
prep — above, over, upon, against
Derivation: properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a particle following);
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, × as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, × both and, by (reason of), × had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, × with.
forasmuch as
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
subst — above
עַל, עָ֑ל
I. subst. height
II. As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
1. Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed
a. —
(a). of clothing, etc., which any one wears
(b). With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
b. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
c. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
d. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
e. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
f. Of the ground or basis, on which a thing is done
2. It expresses excess
3. It denotes elevation or pre-eminence
4. It expresses addition
5. It expresses the idea of being extended, or suspended over anything, without however being in contact with it, above, over
6. From the sense of inclining or impending over, על comes to denote contiguity or proximity, Engl. by (or sts. on)
7. In connection with verbs of motion (actual or fig.)
8. By writers of the silver age, על is sts. used with the force of a dative
9. With other particles:
III. As conj.
a. עַל אֲשֶׁר because that
b. עַל כִּי similar in meaning, but less frequent
c. עַל alone:
(a). because
(b). notwithstanding that, although
IV. Compounds:
1. with כְּ (rare and late)
a. as concerning, as upon
b. the like of their deeds is the like of (that which) he will repay
2. מֵעַל from upon, from over, from by
H7307
n-f — wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, region of the sky, spirit
Derivation: from 7306;
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions)
KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, × cool, courage, mind, × quarter, × side, spirit(-ual), tempest, × vain, (whirl-) wind(-y).
n.f — breath
רוּחַ 378 n.f. (less oft. m.) breath, wind, spirit
1. breath of mouth or nostrils (33 t.)
2. wind (117 t.)
3. spirit, as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation = temper, disposition (76 t.)
4. spirit of the living, breathing being
5. spirit as seat of emotion
6. occasionally (and late) = seat or organ of mental acts
7. rarely of the will
8. רוּחַ esp. of moral character
9. spirit of God (94 t.)
H1992
p — they
Derivation: or (prolonged) הֵמָּה; masculine plural from 1931;
they (only used when emphatic)
KJV: it, like, × (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, × so, × such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye.
pron — they
הֵ֫מָּה and הֵם (without appreciable distinction in usage, except prob. in so far as the longer or shorter form was better adapted to the rhythm of particular sentences) pron. 3 pl. masc. they
H3789
v — grave, write
Derivation: a primitive root;
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten).
vb — write
כָּתַב 223 vb. write
Qal
1. write
2. = write down, describe in writing
3. = register, enroll
4. = decree
Niph.
1. be written
2. = be written down, recorded
Pi. frequent.
H3808
adv — not, no
Derivation: or לוֹא; or לֹה; (Deuteronomy 3:11), a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
KJV: × before, or else, ere, except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (× as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, surely, as truly as, of a truth, verily, for want, whether, without.
adv — not
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
H3318
v — go, bring, out
Derivation: a primitive root;
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.
KJV: × after, appear, × assuredly, bear out, × begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, × scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, × still, × surely, take forth (out), at any time, × to (and fro), utter.
vb — go out
יָצָא 1068 vb. go or come out
Qal
1. go or come out or forth
a. from (מִן) a place
b. go forth from (the presence of) a person
c. in technical senses
d. of flight, involving escape
e. depart
f. of inanimate things
g. with especial emphasis on idea of origin, source
h. of children as going forth from loins (of father)
2.
a. go forth to a place
b. go forward, proceed to or toward something
c. come or go forth, with esp. ref. to purpose or result
3. of combinations
Hiph.
1. cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out
2. fig. obj. persons, bring out of (מִן) distress, etc.
3. bring out animals
4. inanimate obj.
5. fig. subj. י׳, bring forth from (מִן)
Hoph. be brought forth
H168
n-m — tent
Derivation: from 166;
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent.
n.m — Ohel
אֹ֫הֶל 343 n.m. tent
1. tent of nomad
2. dwelling, habitation
3. the sacred tent used in worship of God
H5012
v — prophesy, speak, by inspiration
Derivation: a primitive root;
to prophesy, i.e. speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
KJV: prophesy(-ing), make self a prophet.
vb. denom — prophesy
[נָבָא] vb. denom. prophesy (in oldest forms, of religious ecstasy with or without song and music; later, essentially religious instruction, with occasional predictions)
Niph.
1. prophesy under influence of divine spirit
2. of false prophets
3. cf. heathen prophets
Hithp.
1. prophesy under influence of divine spirit
2. of heathen prophets of Baal in ecstatic state
3. of false prophets
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Verses 24–30
Numbers 11:24–30
We have here the performance of God's word to Moses, that he should have help in the government of Israel.
I. Here is the case of the seventy privy-counsellors in general. Moses, though a little disturbed by the tumult of the people, yet was thoroughly composed by the communion he had with God, and soon came to himself again. And according as the matter was concerted, 1. He did his part; he presented the seventy elders before the Lord, round the tabernacle (Num 11:24), that they might there stand ready to receive the grace of God, in the place where he manifested himself, and that the people also might be witnesses of their solemn call. Note, Those that expect favour from God must humbly offer themselves and their service to him. 2. God was not wanting to do his part. He gave of his Spirit to the seventy elders (Num 11:25), which enabled those whose capacities and education set them but on a level with their neighbours of a sudden to say and do that which was extraordinary, and which proved them to be actuated by divine inspiration: they prophesied, and did not cease all that day, and (some think) only that day. They discoursed to the people of the things of God, and perhaps commented upon the law they had lately received with admirable clearness, and fulness, and readiness, and aptness of expression, so that all who heard them might see and say that God was with them of a truth; see Co1 14:24, Co1 14:25. Thus, long afterwards, Saul was marked for the government by the gift of prophecy, which came upon him for a day and a night, Sa1 10:6, Sa1 10:11. When Moses was to fetch Israel out of Egypt, Aaron was appointed to be his prophet, Exo 7:1. But, now that God had called Aaron to other work, in his room Moses has seventy prophets to attend him. Note, Those are fittest to rule in God's Israel that are well acquainted with divine things and are apt to teach to edification.
II. Here is the particular case of two of them, Eldad and Medad, probably two brothers.
1. They were nominated by Moses to be assistants in the government, but they went not out unto the tabernacle as the rest did, Num 11:26. Calvin conjectures that the summons was sent them, but that it did not find them, they being somewhere out of the way; so that, though they were written, yet they were not called. Most think that they declined coming to the tabernacle out of an excess of modesty and humility; being sensible of their own weakness and unworthiness, they desired to be excused from coming into the government. Their principle was their praise, but their practice in not obeying orders was their fault.
2. The Spirit of God found them out in the camp, where they were hidden among the stuff, and there they prophesied, that is, they exercised their gift of praying, preaching, and praising God, in some private tent. Note, The Spirit of God is not tied to the tabernacle, but, like the wind, blows where he listeth, Joh 3:8. Whither can we go from that Spirit? There was a special providence in it that these two should be absent, for thus it appeared that it was indeed a divine Spirit which the elders were actuated by, and that Moses gave them not that Spirit, but God himself. They modestly declined preferment, but God forced it upon them; nay, they have the honour of being named, which the rest have not: for those that humble themselves shall be exalted, and those are most fit for government who are least ambitious of it.
3. Information of this was given to Moses (Num 11:27): "Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp; there is a conventicle in such a tent, and Eldad and Medad are holding forth there, from under the inspection and presidency of Moses, and out of the communion of the rest of the elders." Whoever the person was that brought the tidings, he seems to have looked upon it as an irregularity.
4. Joshua moved to have them silenced: My lord Moses, forbid them, Num 11:28. It is probable that Joshua himself was one of the seventy, which made him the more jealous for the honour of their order. He takes it for granted that they were not under any necessitating impulse, for the spirit of the prophets is subject to the prophets, and therefore he would have them either not to prophesy at all or to come to the tabernacle and prophesy in concert with the rest. He does not desire that they should be punished for what they had done, but only restrained for the future. This motion he made from a good principle, not out of any personal dislike to Eldad and Medad, but out of an honest zeal for that which he apprehended to be the unity of the church, and concern for the honour of God and Moses.
5. Moses rejected the motion, and reproved him that made it (v. 29): "Enviest thou for my sake? Thou knowest not what manner of spirit thou art of." Though Joshua was Moses's particular friend and confidant, though he said this out of a respect to Moses, whose honour he was very loth to see lessened by the call of those elders, yet Moses reproves him, and in him all that show such a spirit. (1.) We must not secretly grieve at the gifts, graces, and usefulness of others. It was the fault of John's disciples that they envied Christ's honour because it shaded their master's, Joh 3:26, etc. (2.) We must not be transported into heats against the weaknesses and infirmities of others. Granting that Eldad and Medad were guilty of an irregularity, yet Joshua was too quick and too warm upon them. Our zeal must always be tempered with the meekness of wisdom: the righteousness of God needs not the wrath of man, Jam 1:20. (3.) We must not make even the best and most useful men heads of a party. Paul would not have his name made use of to patronise a faction, Co1 1:12, Co1 1:13. (4.) We must not be forward to condemn and silence those that differ from us, as if they did not follow Christ because they do not follow him with us, Mar 9:38. Shall we reject those whom Christ has owned, or restrain any from doing good because they are not in every thing of our mind? Moses was of another spirit; so far from silencing these two, and quenching the Spirit in them, he wished all the Lord's people were prophets, that is, that he would put his Spirit upon them. Not that he would have any set up for prophets that were not duly qualified, or that he expected that the Spirit of prophecy should be made thus common; but thus he expresses the love and esteem he had for all the Lord's people, the complacency he took in the gifts of others, and how far he was from being displeased at Eldad and Medad's prophesying from under his eye. Such an excellent spirit as this blessed Paul was of, rejoicing that Christ was preached, though it was by those who therein intended to add affliction to his bonds, Phi 1:16. We ought to be pleased that God is served and glorified, and good done, though to the lessening of our credit and the credit of our way.
6. The elders, now newly ordained, immediately entered upon their administration (Num 11:30); when their call was sufficiently attested by their prophesying, they went with Moses to the camp, and applied themselves to business. Having received the gift, they ministered the same as good stewards. And now Moses was pleased that he had so many to share with him in his work and honour. And, (1.) Let the testimony of Moses be credited by those who desire to be in power, that government is a burden. It is a burden of care and trouble to those who make conscience of the duty of it; and to those who do not it will prove a heavier burden in the day of account, when they fall under the doom of the unprofitable servant that buried his talent. (2.) Let the example of Moses be imitated by those that are in power; let them not despise the advice and assistance of others, but desire it, and be thankful for it, not coveting to monopolize wisdom and power. In the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
Cross-references: Num 11:24 · Num 11:25 · 1Cor 14:24 · 1Cor 14:25 · 1Sam 10:6 · 1Sam 10:11 · Exod 7:1 · Num 11:26 · John 3:8 · Num 11:27 · Num 11:28 · John 3:26 · Jas 1:20 · 1Cor 1:12 · 1Cor 1:13 · Mark 9:38 · Phil 1:16 · Num 11:30