Numbers 11:26

Numbers 11:26 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible 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.

King James Version 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.

American Standard Version ASV

But there remained two 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 had not gone out unto the Tent; and they prophesied in the camp.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But two men were still in the tent-circle one of them named Eldad and the other Medad: and the spirit came to rest on them; they were among those who had been sent for, but they had not gone out to the Tent: and the prophet's power came on them in the tent-circle.

Free Bible Version FBV

However, two men named Eldad and Medad had stayed behind in the camp. The Spirit came on them too. (They had been put on the list of the seventy elders, but they hadn't gone to the tent. But they prophesied where they were in the camp anyway.)

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But there remained two of the men in the hoste: the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad, and the Spirit rested vpon them, (for they were of them that were written, and went not out vnto the Tabernacle) and they prophecied in the hoste.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And two of the men are left in the camp, the name of the one [is] Eldad, and the name of the second Medad, and the spirit resteth upon them, (and they are among those written, and have not gone out to the tent), and they prophesy in the camp;

World English Bible 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.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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 described, but went not out to the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Now there remained in the camp two of the men, of whom one was called Eldad, and the other Medad, upon whom the spirit rested; for they also had been enrolled, but were not gone forth to the tabernacle.

Translation for Translators T4T

Two of the leaders whom Moses/I appointed, Eldad and Medad, were not there when the rest of them gathered together. They had not left their tents to go and stand around the Sacred Tent. But Yahweh’s Spirit came on them also, and they started to ◄prophesy/speak messages from Yahweh►.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 11:26

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Numbers 11:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּשָּׁאֲר֣וּ שְׁנֵֽי אֲנָשִׁ֣ים בַּֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֡ה שֵׁ֣ם הָ/אֶחָ֣ד אֶלְדָּ֡ד וְ/שֵׁם֩ הַ/שֵּׁנִ֨י מֵידָ֜ד וַ/תָּ֧נַח עֲלֵי/הֶ֣ם הָ/ר֗וּחַ וְ/הֵ֨מָּה֙ בַּ/כְּתֻבִ֔ים וְ/לֹ֥א יָצְא֖וּ הָ/אֹ֑הֱלָ/ה וַ/יִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ בַּֽ/מַּחֲנֶֽה

וַ/יִּשָּׁאֲר֣וּ shâʼar H7604 to remain Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp

שְׁנֵֽי shᵉnayim H8147 two Adj

אֲנָשִׁ֣ים ʼîysh H376 man N-mp

בַּֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֡ה machăneh H4264 camp Prep | N-cs

שֵׁ֣ם shêm H8034 name N-ms

הָ/אֶחָ֣ד ʼechâd H259 one Art | Adj

אֶלְדָּ֡ד ʼEldâd H419 Eldad N-proper

וְ/שֵׁם֩ shêm H8034 name Conj | N-ms

הַ/שֵּׁנִ֨י shênîy H8145 second Art | Adj

מֵידָ֜ד Mêydâd H4312 Medad N-proper

וַ/תָּ֧נַח nûwach H5117 to rest Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

עֲלֵי/הֶ֣ם ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

הָ/ר֗וּחַ rûwach H7307 spirit Art | N-cs

וְ/הֵ֨מָּה֙ hêm H1992 they(masc.) Conj | Pron

בַּ/כְּתֻבִ֔ים kâthab H3789 to write Prep | V-Qal-Inf-c

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יָצְא֖וּ yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out V-Qal-Perf-3cp

הָ/אֹ֑הֱלָ/ה ʼôhel H168 tent Art | N-ms | Suff

וַ/יִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ nâbâʼ H5012 to prophesy Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp

בַּֽ/מַּחֲנֶֽה machăneh H4264 camp Prep | N-cs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 11:26

וַ/יִּשָּׁאֲר֣וּ shâʼar H7604 "to remain" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp

To remain or be left over, as in Joshua 10:20. It can also mean to spare or reserve something, like God sparing Noah in Genesis 7:23. This word is used to describe the remnant of Israel.

Definition: 1) to remain, be left over, be left behind 1a) (Qal) to remain 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be left over, be left alive, survive 1b1a) remainder, remnant (participle) 1b2) to be left behind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to leave over, spare 1c2) to leave or keep over 1c3) to have left 1c4) to leave (as a gift)

Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: leave, (be) left, let, remain, remnant, reserve, the rest. See also: Genesis 7:23; 1 Kings 22:47; Isaiah 4:3.

שְׁנֵֽי shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Adj

The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.

Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)

Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.

אֲנָשִׁ֣ים ʼîysh H376 "man" N-mp

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

בַּֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֡ה machăneh H4264 "camp" Prep | N-cs

This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.

Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people

Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.

שֵׁ֣ם shêm H8034 "name" N-ms

In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.

Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

הָ/אֶחָ֣ד ʼechâd H259 "one" Art | Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.

אֶלְדָּ֡ד ʼEldâd H419 "Eldad" N-proper

Eldad was an Israelite who prophesied in the Israelite camp, as mentioned in Numbers 11:26. His name means God has loved, and he was one of two elders who received a prophetic gift.

Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.11.26 § Eldad = "God has loved" one of the two elders who prophesied in the Israelite camp

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Eldad. See also: Numbers 11:26; Numbers 11:27.

וְ/שֵׁם֩ shêm H8034 "name" Conj | N-ms

Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

הַ/שֵּׁנִ֨י shênîy H8145 "second" Art | Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means second or again, like when Moses went up Mount Sinai a second time in Exodus 24:15-18. It can also mean another or something distinct.

Definition: 1) second 1a) second (the ordinal number) 1b) again (a second time) 1c) another, other (something as distinct from something else)

Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: again, either (of them), (an-) other, second (time). See also: Genesis 1:8; 1 Kings 6:1; Isaiah 11:11.

מֵידָ֜ד Mêydâd H4312 "Medad" N-proper

Medad means love and was the name of one of the 70 elders who received prophetic power from Moses in the wilderness, as seen in Numbers 11:26. He was an Israelite who prophesied in the camp. Medad's story is a significant part of Israel's history.

Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.11.26 § Medad = "love" one of the 70 elders to whom was communicated the prophetic power of Moses and who prophesied in the camp of the Israelites in the wilderness

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Medad. See also: Numbers 11:26; Numbers 11:27.

וַ/תָּ֧נַח nûwach H5117 "to rest" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

To rest means to settle down and remain in one place, and can be used literally or figuratively. This verb appears in many parts of the Bible, including Exodus 20:11 and Matthew 11:28.

Definition: 1) to rest 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rest, settle down and remain 1a2) to repose, have rest, be quiet 1b) (Hiph) 1b1) to cause to rest, give rest to, make quiet 1b2) to cause to rest, cause to alight, set down 1b3) to lay or set down, deposit, let lie, place 1b4) to let remain, leave 1b5) to leave, depart from 1b6) to abandon 1b7) to permit 1c) (Hoph) 1c1) to obtain rest, be granted rest 1c2) to be left, be placed 1c3) open space (subst) Also means: ya.nach (יָנַח "to rest" H3240)

Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: cease, be confederate, lay, let down, (be) quiet, remain, (cause to, be at, give, have, make to) rest, set down. Compare H3241 (יָנִים). See also: Genesis 8:4; Nehemiah 9:28; Psalms 125:3.

עֲלֵי/הֶ֣ם ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, 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 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הָ/ר֗וּחַ rûwach H7307 "spirit" Art | N-cs

In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.

Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force

Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.

וְ/הֵ֨מָּה֙ hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Conj | Pron

This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.

Definition: they, these, the same, who

Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.

בַּ/כְּתֻבִ֔ים kâthab H3789 "to write" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-c

To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.

Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)

Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יָצְא֖וּ yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] 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, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.

הָ/אֹ֑הֱלָ/ה ʼôhel H168 "tent" Art | N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.

Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)

Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.

וַ/יִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ nâbâʼ H5012 "to prophesy" Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp

To prophesy means to speak or sing under the influence of the divine spirit, as seen in the prophets of the Bible. This can include predicting the future or simply speaking God's message to others.

Definition: 1) to prophesy 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to prophesy 1a1a) under influence of divine spirit 1a1b) of false prophets 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to prophesy 1b1a) under influence of divine spirit 1b1b) of false prophets Aramaic equivalent: ne.va (נבא "to prophesy" H5013)

Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: prophesy(-ing), make self a prophet. See also: Numbers 11:25; Jeremiah 27:16; Jeremiah 2:8.

בַּֽ/מַּחֲנֶֽה machăneh H4264 "camp" Prep | N-cs

This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.

Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people

Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.

Study Notes — Numbers 11:26

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Context
Cross References
Numbers 11:26 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 11:26
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 11:26
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 11:26
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 11:26
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 11:26
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 11:26
Sermons on Numbers 11:26

Context — Seventy Elders Anointed

24So Moses went out and relayed to the people the words of the LORD, and he gathered seventy of the elders of the people and had them stand around the tent. 25Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and He took some of the Spirit that was on Moses and placed that Spirit on the seventy elders. As the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but they never did so again.

26Two 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.

27A young man ran and reported to Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” 28Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 36:5	Then Jeremiah commanded Baruch, “I am restricted; I cannot enter the house of the LORD;
2	1 Samuel 20:26	Saul said nothing that day because he thought, “Something has happened to David to make him ceremonially unclean—surely he is unclean.”
3	1 Samuel 10:22	So again they inquired of the LORD, “Has the man come here yet?” And the LORD replied, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.”
4	Exodus 3:11	But Moses asked God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
5	Exodus 4:13–14	But Moses replied, “Please, Lord, send someone else.” Then the anger of the LORD burned against Moses, and He said, “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well, and he is now on his way to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.
6	Jeremiah 1:6	“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!”

Numbers 11:26 Summary

[This verse shows that God can work in unexpected ways, even when people are not in the usual places or following the usual plans. Eldad and Medad were not with the other elders when the Spirit was given, but they still received the Spirit and prophesied in the camp, as seen in Numbers 11:26. This reminds us that God is not limited by our expectations or structures, and that He can use anyone to fulfill His purposes, as seen in Exodus 3:1-4:17. We can learn from this example by being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and trusting in His power to work in our lives.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Spirit rest on Eldad and Medad, who were not with the other elders?

The Bible does not give a specific reason why the Spirit rested on Eldad and Medad, but it shows that God can work outside of our expectations, as seen in Numbers 11:26, and that His ways are not always limited to our plans or structures, similar to the story of Moses in Exodus 3:1-4:17

What does it mean that Eldad and Medad prophesied in the camp?

Prophesying in the camp means that Eldad and Medad received a message from God and shared it with the people, as seen in Numbers 11:26, which is similar to the prophesying done by the elders in Numbers 11:25, and is a demonstration of the gift of prophecy mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:10

Were Eldad and Medad supposed to prophesy, since they were not with the other elders?

Although Eldad and Medad were not with the other elders when the Spirit was given, they were still among those listed to receive the Spirit, as mentioned in Numbers 11:26, indicating that God had chosen them for this task, similar to the way God chose Moses in Exodus 3:1-4:17

What can we learn from the example of Eldad and Medad?

The story of Eldad and Medad teaches us that God can use anyone, regardless of their location or circumstances, to fulfill His purposes, as seen in Numbers 11:26, and that we should be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, as encouraged in Romans 8:14

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I may be limiting God's work in my life by my own expectations or structures?
How can I be more open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, even if it takes me outside of my comfort zone or usual routines?
What are some times when I have seen God work in unexpected ways, and how can I learn from those experiences?
In what ways can I be a prophetic voice in my own community or circle of influence, sharing God's message with others?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 11:26

But there remained two [of the] men in the camp,.... Of the seventy who were summoned, that came not out of the camp of Israel to the tabernacle when the rest did: the name of the one [was] Eldad,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 11:26

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 11:26

In the camp; not going to the tabernacle, as the rest did; either modestly declining that high employment from a tremble sense of their own insufficiency, as Saul did, ; or not having sufficient or seasonable notice to repair thither; or, being detained in the camp and in their dwellings, whether by uncleanness, or sickness, or some urgent occasion, not without God’ s special providence, that so the miracle might be more evident, and their call and authority more unquestionable, to all the people. Were written, to wit, in a book or paper, by Moses, who by God’ s direction nominated the fittest and worthiest persons.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 11:26

Numbers 11:26 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.Ver. 26. But there remained two of the men.] Being stayed by some lawful occasion, as in 1 Samuel 20:26 Jeremiah 36:5, or haply out of sense of their own insufficiency, as in 1 Samuel 10:22. Howsoever, hereby it appeared to all the people that these seventy seniors were set apart by God for the service. And they prophesied in the camp.] Hermas, in his book called "Pastor" (chap. ii.), mentioneth a book of their prophesy, and citeth these words, "The Lord is near to all those that turn unto him, as it is written in Eldad and Medad, who prophesied in the wilderness to the people." But this book of Hermas is of small credit.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 11:26

26. them that were written] i.e. registered as being of the number of the elders and officers. They were not of the number of the seventy, for Numbers 11:24 says that seventy were present at the Tent.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 11:26

26. But there remained two — For reasons satisfactory to the Lord, perhaps from excessive reserve and self-distrust, certainly not from obstinacy, Eldad and Medad did not go to the tabernacle, though

Sermons on Numbers 11:26

	Sermon	Description
	Epistle 320 by George Fox	George Fox preaches about the significant roles of women in the Old Testament and the importance of women's involvement in the work and service of the Lord in both the time of the
	Attributes of God (Series 2): The Self-Existence of God by A.W. Tozer	The video is a sermon on the attributes of God, specifically focusing on the story of Job in the Bible. The speaker mentions how the devil came before the sons of God, who were the
	Jehovah Witnesses - Part 1 by Walter Martin	In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the origins of the Bible and Tract Society under Charles Taze Russell, which has become the second-largest non-Christian cult in th
	God's Self-Existence by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the pride and love that God has for his children. He references the story of Job and how God saw him as a good man despite Satan's attempts
	The Vision of God by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Isaiah chapter 6, where Isaiah hears the voice of the Lord asking who will go and be sent by Him. The speaker emphasizes the need for servant
	Nothingness by K.P. Yohannan	This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing our own inadequacy and emptiness before God, highlighting the need to surrender our self-sufficiency and rely completely on God
	Horton Haven Labor Day Retreat-13 a Squirming Sacrifice by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a radio program for young people that was supported by listener donations. One night, a lady called from the downtown railroad sta