Numbers 11:29

Numbers 11:29 (KJV) captures a pivotal moment demonstrating Moses' extraordinary humility and his expansive vision for God's people. This verse follows a scene where the Lord had poured out His Spirit on seventy elders of Israel to help Moses bear the burden of leadership. Two men, Eldad and Medad, who were listed among the elders but had remained in the camp, also began to prophesy. Joshua, Moses' faithful assistant, became alarmed and urged Moses to stop them, seemingly out of a protective zeal for Moses' unique spiritual authority.

Context

The Israelites were complaining bitterly in the wilderness, longing for the food they had in Egypt, which greatly distressed Moses (Numbers 11:11-15). In response, God instructed Moses to gather seventy elders, promising to take some of the Spirit that was upon Moses and put it upon them, so they could share the burden of the people (Numbers 11:17). When the Spirit rested upon these elders, they prophesied. The incident with Eldad and Medad, and Joshua's reaction, sets the stage for Moses' profound statement, revealing his heart's desire for the spiritual empowerment of all Israel.

Key Themes

• Generous Leadership and Humility: Unlike many leaders who might guard their power or unique spiritual standing, Moses displays remarkable humility. He doesn't see Eldad and Medad's prophecy as a threat to his authority but rather as a manifestation of God's work. His question, "Enviest thou for my sake?" challenges Joshua's narrow perspective.
• The Widespread Desire for God's Spirit: Moses' declaration, "would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!" is a powerful expression of his longing for widespread divine empowerment. He desires that every Israelite might experience a direct, intimate encounter with God through the indwelling and empowering presence of His ruach (Spirit).
• Divine Sovereignty in Gifting: This verse underscores that the Spirit of God is given by God's sovereign choice, not limited to a select few or human appointment. God "put his spirit upon them," highlighting His initiative.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "Spirit" here is ruach (רוּחַ), which can mean wind, breath, or spirit. In this context, it refers to the active, empowering presence of God, enabling individuals to perform tasks or speak divine messages. Moses' desire for God to "put his spirit upon them" means he longed for this divine enablement and prophetic utterance to be a common experience among the entire community, not just a select few leaders or prophets.

Related Scriptures

Moses' wish finds a powerful echo in later prophetic literature and the New Testament. The prophet Joel foretold a day when God would "pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy" (Joel 2:28). This prophecy was dramatically fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, as described in Acts 2:17-18, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on believers, enabling them to prophesy, speak in tongues, and experience spiritual gifts. Moses' vision anticipated this broader distribution of God's empowering presence.

Practical Application

Numbers 11:29 challenges believers today to adopt a similar generous and unselfish attitude regarding spiritual gifts and ministry. Instead of envying or limiting others' spiritual expressions, we should desire that all God's people be empowered and used by Him. This verse encourages us to pray for and facilitate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on every believer, recognizing that God's Spirit equips individuals for service and witness, building up the entire body of Christ. It reminds us that true spiritual leadership seeks to empower others, not to hoard spiritual influence.