Numbers 11:29

KJV

And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, [and] that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559} unto him, Enviest {H7065} thou for my sake? would God that all the {H5414} LORD'S {H3068} people {H5971} were prophets {H5030}, and that the LORD {H3068} would put {H5414} his spirit {H7307} upon them!

Complete Jewish Bible

But Moshe replied, "Are you so zealous to protect me? I wish all of ADONAI's people were prophets! I wish ADONAI would put his Spirit on all of them!"

Berean Standard Bible

But Moses replied, “Are you jealous on my account? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would place His Spirit on them!”

American Standard Version

And Moses said unto him, Art thou jealous for my sake? would that all Jehovah’s people were prophets, that Jehovah would put his Spirit upon them!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 11:29 encapsulates a pivotal moment in Moses' leadership, showcasing his profound humility and expansive vision for the spiritual empowerment of all God's people. In stark contrast to Joshua's possessive zeal to protect Moses' unique prophetic authority by silencing Eldad and Medad, who were prophesying in the camp, Moses articulates a counter-cultural and deeply spiritual desire: that every single Israelite might be a prophet, directly empowered by the Spirit of the Lord. This statement transcends personal ambition, revealing a leader whose greatest aspiration is the widespread, direct, and intimate spiritual experience of God by His entire community, a testament to his selfless and generous heart.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical narrative of Israel's wilderness journey, marked by profound distress and divine intervention. The Israelites' persistent grumbling over the manna and their longing for the food of Egypt had deeply burdened Moses, who felt overwhelmed by the immense responsibility of leading such a rebellious multitude ([Numbers 11:11-15](/numbers/11-15 "Numbers 11:11-15 - Moses' Complaint and God's Response")). In response to Moses' heartfelt plea, the Lord instructed him to gather seventy elders of Israel, promising to take some of the Spirit that was upon Moses and place it upon them, thereby enabling them to share the heavy burden of leadership ([Numbers 11:17](/numbers/11-17 "Numbers 11:17 - God Shares the Spirit")). When the Spirit rested upon these seventy elders at the Tent of Meeting, they prophesied. The specific incident precipitating Moses' remarkable reply in Numbers 11:29 involves Eldad and Medad, two of the seventy who, though remaining in the camp, also began to prophesy. This unexpected manifestation of the Spirit outside the designated assembly prompts Joshua's protective reaction and Moses' profound counter-statement, highlighting a tension between centralized authority and the sovereign, widespread distribution of spiritual gifts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, prophetic activity was typically confined to specific, often elite, individuals or established groups, who served as intermediaries between the divine and humanity. Prophets delivered oracles, warnings, and guidance, and their authority was often tied to their direct communication with a deity. Moses himself held an unparalleled position as God's chosen spokesman and the unique mediator of the covenant, having direct, face-to-face communion with the Lord ([Numbers 12:6-8](/numbers/12-6-8 "Numbers 12:6-8 - God's Unique Relationship with Moses")). Joshua's reaction to Eldad and Medad's prophecy reflects a common human inclination to guard perceived authority, maintain order, and prevent what might be seen as unauthorized or disruptive spiritual activity. In the highly structured and vulnerable wilderness community, the establishment of clear leadership hierarchies was crucial for managing the vast, nomadic population and ensuring adherence to divine law. Joshua's concern, while well-intentioned, stemmed from a conventional understanding of authority and order.
* **Key Themes:** Moses' response in [Numbers 11:29](/numbers/11-29 "Numbers 11:29 - Moses' Vision for Widespread Prophecy") powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it profoundly illustrates **Generous Leadership and Humility**. Unlike typical leaders who might jealously guard their power or unique spiritual status, Moses displays extraordinary humility and selflessness. He does not perceive Eldad and Medad's prophecy as a threat to his authority but as a desirable manifestation of God's work. His rhetorical question, "Enviest thou for my sake?", challenges Joshua's narrow, protective perspective, revealing Moses' secure and unselfish leadership. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Widespread Desire for God's Spirit**. Moses' fervent wish, "would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!", is a radical expression of his longing for universal divine empowerment. This vision anticipates a future where direct, intimate encounter with God through the empowering presence of His _ruach_ (Spirit) is not limited to an elite few but is accessible to the entire community, a theme later echoed by prophets like [Joel](/joel/2 "Joel 2 - The Day of the Lord and Outpouring of the Spirit"). Thirdly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty in Gifting**. The phrase "the LORD would put his spirit upon them" underscores that the Spirit of God is given by God's sovereign choice and initiative, not by human selection or limitation. This reinforces that spiritual gifting is ultimately a divine prerogative, as seen earlier when God "took of the Spirit that was upon him [Moses] and put it upon the seventy elders" ([Numbers 11:25](/numbers/11-25 "Numbers 11:25 - The Spirit Rests on the Elders")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Moses (Hebrew, _Môsheh'_):** From a root meaning "drawing out," referring to his rescue from the water. Moses, the Israelite lawgiver, is central to the narrative, and his character is profoundly revealed in this verse as a leader prioritizing God's people over personal status.
* **Enviest (Hebrew, _qânâ'_):** This verb signifies a strong emotional response, often involving jealousy, zeal, or rivalry. In this context, it points to Joshua's protective zeal for Moses' unique status, which Moses interprets as a form of envy or possessiveness over spiritual authority. Moses' question challenges Joshua's underlying motive, implying that such a spirit is contrary to God's broader purposes for His people.
* **Prophets (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to call" or "to announce," a _nâbîyʼ_ is one who speaks for God, serving as a divine messenger. This term encompasses various forms of inspired communication, from delivering direct oracles to ecstatic utterances. Moses' wish is not merely for everyone to be able to predict the future, but for all God's people to be empowered to speak forth divine truth and experience direct communion with God through His Spirit.
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** This multifaceted word can mean wind, breath, or spirit. In theological contexts, especially when referring to God's _rûwach_, it denotes the active, empowering, and life-giving presence of God. When God "puts His Spirit upon" someone, it signifies divine enablement for specific tasks, leadership, or prophetic utterance. Moses' desire is for this divine, empowering presence to be universally distributed among Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake?":** Moses directly addresses Joshua's concern, challenging the underlying motive behind his request to stop Eldad and Medad. Joshua's zeal was ostensibly "for Moses' sake"—to protect Moses' unique authority and prevent perceived disorder. However, Moses perceives this as a form of envy or possessiveness over spiritual gifting, implying that Joshua's perspective is too narrow and self-centered, failing to grasp God's expansive desire for His people.
* **"would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets":** This is a profound and radical expression of Moses' heart. The phrase "would God" (literally, "Who will give?") conveys a fervent, almost desperate wish or longing. Moses envisions a community where prophetic utterance and direct divine communication are not limited to a select few, but are a universal experience among all Israelites. This is a vision of democratized spirituality, where every member of the covenant community can hear from and speak for God.
* **"and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!":** This clause clarifies the means by which Moses' wish would be fulfilled. It is not through human effort, appointment, or limitation, but through the sovereign act of the Lord Himself. The emphasis is on God's initiative in bestowing His empowering Spirit upon His entire people, enabling them to function as prophets. This highlights that true spiritual authority and gifting originate solely from God and are not to be controlled or restricted by human design.

#### Literary Devices
Moses' statement masterfully employs several literary devices, revealing his character and profound spiritual insight. The initial query, **Rhetorical Question**, "Enviest thou for my sake?", serves not to elicit a direct answer from Joshua but to challenge his perspective and expose the underlying human tendency to guard power. It skillfully shifts the focus from Joshua's concern about perceived threats to authority to Moses' broader, more magnanimous vision. Following this, Moses expresses a fervent wish that borders on **Hyperbole** for emphasis: "would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets." While perhaps not literally expecting every Israelite to deliver formal oracles, it powerfully conveys his desire for widespread spiritual empowerment and direct communion with God. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the scene; Joshua, attempting to safeguard Moses' unique position, inadvertently provides the occasion for Moses to articulate a vision that transcends his own singular authority, demonstrating a humility and spiritual generosity that further elevates Moses' character as a leader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Moses' radical wish in Numbers 11:29 stands as a prophetic utterance itself, a yearning for a future state of widespread divine empowerment that transcends the limitations of the Old Covenant. It anticipates a time when the Spirit of God would not be confined to a select few leaders or prophets, but would be poured out upon all believers, enabling them to participate directly in God's redemptive purposes. This vision underscores God's ultimate desire for intimate relationship and active participation with His entire people, rather than through a mediated system alone. It challenges hierarchical assumptions about spiritual authority, pointing to a future where God's presence is universally accessible and empowering, laying groundwork for the New Covenant.

* [Joel 2:28-29](/joel/2-28-29 "Joel 2:28-29 - Prophecy of the Spirit's Outpouring")
* [Acts 2:17-18](/acts/2-17-18 "Acts 2:17-18 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")
* [Jeremiah 31:33-34](/jeremiah/31-33-34 "Jeremiah 31:33-34 - The New Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 11:29 serves as a profound challenge to our contemporary understanding of spiritual leadership, gifting, and community within the church. Moses' response calls us away from a scarcity mindset, where spiritual authority or gifts are hoarded, envied, or rigidly controlled, and towards a generous, empowering vision for the entire body of Christ. Instead of seeking to limit or control who God uses, we are called to actively desire and pray for the widespread outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all believers, recognizing that God's Spirit equips individuals for service, witness, and the building up of the church. This verse encourages leaders to be facilitators of spiritual empowerment rather than gatekeepers, fostering an environment where every member is encouraged to discover and exercise their God-given gifts for the common good. It reminds us that true spiritual maturity is marked by a desire to see others flourish in their relationship with God and in their God-given calling, even if it means their gifts might seem to "rival" or exceed our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, like Joshua, be tempted to protect my own spiritual "turf" or limit God's work through others?**
* **How does Moses' desire for universal spiritual empowerment challenge my understanding of leadership and ministry within the church today?**
* **What practical steps can I take to foster an environment where all believers are encouraged to discover and exercise their spiritual gifts?**
* **How does this passage inform my prayers for the church and for the spread of the Gospel?**

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

Answer: Joshua's concern likely stemmed from a combination of factors. Firstly, as Moses' faithful assistant and designated successor, he was deeply loyal and protective of Moses' unique authority as God's chosen leader and mediator. He may have viewed Eldad and Medad's prophesying outside the designated gathering place (the Tent of Meeting) as a challenge to established order and a potential source of confusion or even rebellion. In the highly structured wilderness community, unauthorized spiritual activity could be seen as a threat to the stability and divine appointment of leadership. He might also have feared that if prophecy became too widespread or unregulated, it could lead to false prophecy or undermine the distinct role of the seventy elders who had been formally commissioned. Joshua's reaction, though misdirected, reveals his zeal for the Lord's order and for Moses' honor.

**What does it mean for "all the LORD'S people" to be "prophets"?**

Answer: Moses' wish for "all the LORD'S people" to be "prophets" is a profound expression of his desire for a direct, personal, and empowering relationship between God and every individual within the covenant community. It doesn't necessarily mean that every Israelite would deliver formal, public oracles like Moses or the major prophets. Instead, it signifies a widespread experience of the Spirit's presence, enabling individuals to hear from God, speak His truth, and participate actively in His divine purposes. It implies a community where spiritual insight, divine communication, and empowered service are common, not exclusive to a select few. This vision anticipates a time when the Spirit of God would be poured out broadly, as prophesied later in [Joel 2:28-29](/joel/2-28-29 "Joel 2:28-29 - Prophecy of the Spirit's Outpouring") and fulfilled dramatically in the New Testament.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Moses' radical wish in [Numbers 11:29](/numbers/11-29 "Numbers 11:29 - Moses' Vision for Universal Prophecy") finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the New Covenant. Moses, as the great prophet and mediator of the Old Covenant, yearned for a universal access to God's Spirit that was largely unattainable under the Mosaic Law, which established a priestly and prophetic class. Jesus, however, is the ultimate Prophet, through whom God speaks His final and complete word ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). More significantly, Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension inaugurated the New Covenant, making possible the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in every believer. On the Day of Pentecost, the prophecy of [Joel 2:28](/joel/2-28 "Joel 2:28 - The Spirit Poured Out") was dramatically fulfilled, as Peter declared, "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy" ([Acts 2:17](/acts/2-17 "Acts 2:17 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")). This event marked the democratization of the Spirit, where every believer, regardless of gender, age, or social status, is indwelt by the Holy Spirit and empowered for ministry, fulfilling Moses' ancient longing. Through Christ, the barrier between God and humanity is broken, and all who believe become part of a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), able to draw near to God and participate in His prophetic and priestly work in the world, empowered by the very Spirit Moses longed for all of God's people to possess.

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

1 Corinthians 14:5

I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater [is] he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

Luke 10:2

Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly [is] great, but the labourers [are] few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

James 5:9

Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

James 4:5

Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

Matthew 9:37

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly [is] plenteous, but the labourers [are] few;

Matthew 9:38

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

James 3:14

But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.