Numbers 11:28

KJV

And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, [one] of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joshua {H3091} the son {H1121} of Nun {H5126}, the servant {H8334} of Moses {H4872}, one of his young men {H979}, answered {H6030} and said {H559}, My lord {H113} Moses {H4872}, forbid {H3607} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshua, the son of Nun, who from his youth up had been Moshe's assistant, answered, "My lord, Moshe, stop them!"

Berean Standard Bible

Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”

American Standard Version

And Joshua the son of Nun, the minister of Moses, one of his chosen men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 11:28 captures a pivotal moment of zealous concern from Joshua, Moses' devoted attendant, during an extraordinary outpouring of God's Spirit in the wilderness. Witnessing Eldad and Medad prophesying spontaneously within the camp, outside the designated gathering at the Tabernacle, Joshua urgently appeals to Moses to forbid them, driven by a protective impulse for Moses' unique authority and the established order. This brief exchange sets the stage for Moses' profound and magnanimous response, highlighting the tension between human expectations of divine protocol and God's sovereign, unconstrained work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of [Numbers 11](/numbers/11 "Numbers 11 - The People Grumble for Meat"). The chapter opens with the Israelites' incessant grumbling against the Lord and Moses, expressing a longing for the varied diet they had in Egypt, despising the manna God provided ([Numbers 11:4-6](/numbers/11-4 "Numbers 11:4-6 - The People Crave Meat")). Overwhelmed by the people's complaints and the immense burden of leadership, Moses himself cries out to God, expressing his despair and desire for death rather than continuing to bear the people alone ([Numbers 11:10-15](/numbers/11-10 "Numbers 11:10-15 - Moses' Complaint to God")). In response, God instructs Moses to gather seventy elders of Israel at the Tent of Meeting, promising to take some of the Spirit that was upon Moses and place it upon them, enabling them to share the burden of the people ([Numbers 11:16-17](/numbers/11-16 "Numbers 11:16-17 - God Promises to Share the Spirit")). When the Spirit rested upon the seventy elders, they prophesied, though it was not a continuous state ([Numbers 11:24-25](/numbers/11-24 "Numbers 11:24-25 - The Spirit on the Seventy Elders")). Crucially, two men, Eldad and Medad, who were listed among the seventy but had remained in the camp, also began to prophesy. It is this unexpected, "unauthorized" manifestation of the Spirit that prompts Joshua's immediate and protective reaction in [Numbers 11:28](/numbers/11-28 "Numbers 11:28 - Joshua's Zealous Plea").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Israelite wilderness journey, a period of formative national identity and the establishment of the Mosaic covenant. Moses' role as the primary prophet and mediator between God and Israel was unparalleled, and the Tabernacle served as the central locus of divine presence and authorized worship. In this nascent theocracy, order and adherence to divine instruction were paramount for the stability of the community. Joshua, as Moses' personal attendant and future successor ([Deuteronomy 34:9](/deuteronomy/34-9 "Deuteronomy 34:9 - Joshua Succeeds Moses")), would have been acutely aware of the importance of Moses' unique authority and the established protocols. His concern likely stemmed from a desire to preserve what he perceived as the proper channels for divine revelation and to protect Moses' singular leadership from what appeared to be an irregular or challenging act. The concept of prophecy at this time was often spontaneous and Spirit-driven, but typically associated with recognized figures or specific sacred spaces.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Numbers and beyond. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Divine Sovereignty of the Spirit**, demonstrating that God's Spirit is not confined by human expectations, structures, or geographical locations. The Spirit falls where God wills, not just where humans convene or authorize. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Leadership and Authority**, presenting a tension between the desire for order and control (Joshua's perspective) and a more expansive, humble vision of God's work (Moses' perspective in the subsequent verse). Moses' response in [Numbers 11:29](/numbers/11-29 "Numbers 11:29 - Moses' Magnanimous Wish") becomes a profound lesson in magnanimous leadership. Thirdly, the incident underscores the nature of **Spiritual Gifts** and their manifestation, showing that God can empower individuals with gifts like prophecy, even outside conventional or anticipated channels. Finally, it touches on **Zeal and Loyalty**, showcasing Joshua's deep devotion to Moses, albeit expressed through a potentially misguided attempt to limit God's work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **forbid (Hebrew, _kāla'_):** This verb means "to restrain," "to hold back," "to keep in check," or "to prevent." Joshua's use of this imperative reflects an urgent, direct, and authoritative request for Moses to intervene and stop Eldad and Medad. It conveys his strong conviction that their prophesying is out of order and needs to be suppressed. The word choice underscores Joshua's protective and perhaps territorial posture regarding Moses' authority.
* **young men (Hebrew, _bachurav_):** The phrase "one of his young men" (מִבַּחֻרָיו, _mi-bachurav_) indicates that Joshua was not merely a servant but one of Moses' chosen, perhaps even elite, attendants or disciples. The term _bachur_ often refers to a chosen, vigorous young man, implying a position of trust and close proximity. This detail highlights Joshua's intimate relationship with Moses and explains his immediate, personal concern for his master's standing and the perceived integrity of the divine process.
* **servant (Hebrew, _mĕšārēt_):** This term denotes a dedicated attendant or minister, often implying a close personal relationship and service. Joshua is consistently identified as Moses' _mĕšārēt_ throughout the Pentateuch, emphasizing his loyalty, faithfulness, and the training he received under Moses' direct tutelage. His identity is deeply intertwined with his service to Moses, which further explains his protective zeal in this situation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, [one] of his young men":** This opening clause meticulously identifies the speaker, emphasizing his lineage, his established role as Moses' personal attendant, and his close association as one of Moses' trusted "young men." This detailed introduction serves to explain the source of the urgent interjection: it comes from someone deeply invested in Moses' leadership and the established order, someone who has been trained to protect and uphold it. Joshua's position makes his concern both understandable and significant.
* **"answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them":** This presents Joshua's direct and impassioned plea. The phrase "answered and said" indicates an immediate reaction to the news of Eldad and Medad's prophesying. Addressing Moses as "My lord Moses" shows respect for his authority while simultaneously making a strong appeal for him to exercise that authority. The imperative "forbid them" is a clear, unambiguous command, revealing Joshua's conviction that these men are acting inappropriately and must be stopped. His concern is not merely about the act of prophesying but about its context—outside the designated assembly and potentially undermining the established spiritual hierarchy.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several effective literary devices. **Dialogue** is central, as Joshua's direct speech to Moses immediately conveys his alarm and protective impulse, setting up the dramatic tension that Moses' response will resolve. Joshua's character functions as a **foil** to Moses; his zealous, perhaps narrow, view of authority contrasts sharply with Moses' expansive and humble desire for the Spirit to be poured out on all God's people in the very next verse. There is an element of **irony** present: Joshua, who himself will later be filled with the Spirit and lead Israel, initially seeks to restrict the Spirit's manifestation in others. This highlights the human tendency to try and control divine activity. The narrative also uses **suspense**, as the reader is left to anticipate Moses' reaction to Joshua's urgent request, which is then revealed in the subsequent verse as remarkably magnanimous.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 11:28 serves as a powerful theological lesson on the nature of God's Spirit and the proper posture of leadership. It challenges the human tendency to confine God's work within preconceived structures or to limit divine activity to specific individuals or locations. Joshua's reaction, while born of loyalty, reveals a common human inclination to protect established order and authority, sometimes at the expense of recognizing God's sovereign and expansive work. Moses' subsequent response (in [Numbers 11:29](/numbers/11-29 "Numbers 11:29 - Moses' Magnanimous Wish")) elevates the discussion, demonstrating that true spiritual leadership rejoices in the widespread outpouring of God's Spirit, even when it occurs in unexpected ways or through unconventional channels. This incident underscores that God's anointing is not exclusive to humanly appointed hierarchies, but flows according to His divine will, often surprising those who seek to control or contain it.

* [Numbers 11:29](/numbers/11-29 "Numbers 11:29 - Moses' Magnanimous Response")
* [Joel 2:28-29](/joel/2-28 "Joel 2:28-29 - The Spirit Poured Out on All Flesh")
* [Acts 2:17-18](/acts/2-17 "Acts 2:17-18 - Peter Quotes Joel on Pentecost")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua's fervent plea in Numbers 11:28 offers a timeless lesson for believers and leaders today. It challenges us to examine our own attitudes when God chooses to work in unexpected ways or through individuals outside our conventional expectations. Are we quick to "forbid them" when God's Spirit moves in unconventional settings or through people we deem unqualified? True spiritual maturity, as demonstrated by Moses, involves a humble openness to God's sovereign work, rejoicing when His Spirit empowers others, even if it means relinquishing some perceived control or stepping outside our comfort zones. This passage encourages us to cultivate a heart that desires the widespread manifestation of God's power and gifts, rather than seeking to limit or monopolize them. It calls us to discern genuine spiritual activity, not by its adherence to human protocol, but by its alignment with God's truth and its fruitfulness for His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have I been tempted to "forbid" or restrict God's work because it didn't fit my expectations or established order?**
* **How can I cultivate a more humble and expansive view of God's Spirit, like Moses, rather than a protective and restrictive one, like Joshua?**
* **What does it mean for me to truly rejoice when God empowers others, even if it's outside my direct influence or control?**
* **How can I better discern genuine spiritual manifestations, ensuring I don't quench the Spirit while also guarding against error?**

### FAQ
**Why was Joshua so concerned about Eldad and Medad prophesying in the camp?**

Answer: Joshua's concern stemmed primarily from his deep loyalty to Moses and his understanding of established order. He likely perceived Eldad and Medad's prophesying outside the designated gathering at the Tent of Meeting as a challenge to Moses' unique prophetic authority or as a breach of protocol. In his zeal, he wanted to protect Moses' leadership and ensure that divine manifestations occurred through the proper, recognized channels. He may have feared that such "unauthorized" prophecy could lead to disorder or undermine Moses' singular role as God's chosen leader.

**What does this incident teach us about God's Spirit?**

Answer: This incident profoundly teaches us about the sovereignty and freedom of God's Spirit. Despite human attempts to organize or contain it, the Spirit operates according to God's will, not human rules or locations. Eldad and Medad, though not physically present at the Tent of Meeting with the other elders, still received the Spirit and prophesied, demonstrating that God's power is not limited by human structures or geographical boundaries. It underscores that God can pour out His Spirit on whomever He chooses, wherever they are, to accomplish His purposes.

**How does Moses' response (in the next verse, Numbers 11:29) contrast with Joshua's?**

Answer: Moses' response in [Numbers 11:29](/numbers/11-29 "Numbers 11:29 - Moses' Magnanimous Wish") stands in stark contrast to Joshua's protective and restrictive impulse. While Joshua wanted to "forbid them," Moses magnanimously declared, "Would that all the Lord's people were prophets, that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!" Moses' attitude reveals a profound humility and a desire for the widespread outpouring of God's Spirit, rather than a concern for his own authority or the maintenance of strict human protocols. He rejoiced in God's work, even when it was outside his direct control, showcasing a truly kingdom-minded perspective.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The incident in Numbers 11:28-29, with Joshua's protective zeal and Moses' expansive vision, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate outpouring of God's Spirit in the new covenant, centered on Christ. While Joshua sought to restrict the Spirit to a select few and a specific location, Moses' wish for "all the Lord's people" to be prophets finds its glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who takes away the sin of the world, promised His disciples that He would send the [Helper, the Holy Spirit](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit"), after His ascension. This promise culminated on the Day of Pentecost, as described in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost"), where the Holy Spirit was poured out not just on a select group of elders, but on all believers—men and women, young and old—just as the prophet [Joel had foretold](/joel/2-28 "Joel 2:28 - The Spirit Poured Out"). In Christ, the Spirit is no longer limited to prophets, priests, or kings, nor to the Tabernacle or Temple, but indwells every believer, empowering them for witness and service ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's sacrifice, establishes a direct, personal relationship with God for all who believe, with the Spirit writing God's law on their hearts ([Jeremiah 31:33-34](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33-34 - The New Covenant")). Thus, Moses' magnanimous wish becomes a reality in the church, the body of Christ, where every member is gifted by the Spirit for the common good ([1 Corinthians 12:7](/1_corinthians/12-7 "1 Corinthians 12:7 - Gifts of the Spirit")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 9:49

And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

Luke 9:50

And Jesus said unto him, Forbid [him] not: for he that is not against us is for us.

Mark 9:38

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.

Mark 9:40

For he that is not against us is on our part.

John 3:26

And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all [men] come to him.

Joshua 1:1

¶ Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,

Exodus 33:11

And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.