Keraia
Numbers 11

Numbers 11:28

Seventy Elders Anointed · Numbers 11:16–30
Read Numbers 11

Translations

Modern
Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”
Traditional
And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.
Literal
And Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant from his youth, answered and said, “My lord Moses, restrain them.”
Latin
Statim Josue filius Nun, minister Moysi, et electus e pluribus, ait: Domine mi Moyses, prohibe eos.

Original

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

Notes

Numbers 11:28–29

Joshua’s worthy jealousy was a desire to safeguard his master’s status. But, Moses was humble and did not feel threatened by Eldad and Medad's prophecy (Numbers 12:3). Instead, he was glad to see God working through others in special ways. Moses had leadership qualities that the younger Joshua had not yet developed (compare Mark 9:38–40).

Numbers 11:16–30

Jethro suggested that Moses should have different levels of judges (Exodus 18:13–26). He focused on practical issues like the tribal leaders who helped Moses with the registration (Numbers 1:5–15).

In contrast, the group of 70 elders would give Israel spiritual guidance. They needed a share of God's Spirit. Moses already had this, and it made him the Lord's special spokesman. Their ability to lead depended on God's Spirit being with them (compare 1 Samuel 10:6; 19:20; Joel 2:28; Acts 2:16–18; 1 Corinthians 12:10; 2 Peter 1:20–21).

Numbers 11:1–35

This is one of many occasions in the wilderness when Israel was disobedient to the Lord.

Theme notes and profiles

Moses Spirit Empowerment The Law and the Spirit

People

Joshua: Moses' assistant who led Israel into Canaan Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt Nun: Father of Joshua

Glossary

Deuteronomy, Book of Numbers, Book of Nun

Topics

Bigotry: Joshua, Through Envy, Seeking to Suppress Eldad and Medad, Who Were Prophesying Courts of Justice: Probably Derived from the Seventy Elders Appointed by Moses Eldad: Prophesies in the Camp of the Israelites Envy: Joshua Envy: Joshua, of Eldad and Medad Inspiration: General Scriptures Concerning Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: A Religious Zealot Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Kibrothhattaavah: Seventy Elders Appointed to Assist Moses Medad: One of the Seventy Elders Who did not Go to the Tabernacle with Moses, but Prophesied in the Camp Moses: Institutes a System of Government Prayer: Answered: Moses, Concerning the Complaint of the Israelites for Meat Religious Intolerance: Exemplified by Joshua Religious Zeal: Joshua Trouble: Food