Numbers 11:29

Translations

Modern

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!”

Traditional

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!

Literal

And Moses said to him, “Are you zealous for my sake? If only he would make all people of YHWH prophets, and that YHWH would put His Spirit upon them.”

Latin

At ille: Quid, inquit æmularis pro me? quis tribuat ut omnis populus prophetet, et det eis Dominus spiritum suum?

Original

Hebrew

English

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!”

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

Related verses

1 Corinthians 14:5
I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified.
Matthew 9:37–38
Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.
Luke 10:2
And He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.
James 4:5
Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy?
James 5:9
Do not complain about one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. Look, the Judge is standing at the door!
Philippians 1:15–18
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.
James 3:14–15
But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth.
1 Corinthians 3:21
Therefore, stop boasting in men. All things are yours,
1 Peter 2:1
Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.
Acts 26:29
“Short time or long,” Paul replied, “I wish to God that not only you but all who hear me this day may become what I am, except for these chains.”
1 Corinthians 3:3
…for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man?

People

Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

Deuteronomy, Book of Eldad Numbers, Book of

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 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: Character of Magnanimity of, Toward Eldad and Medad Moses: Institutes a System of Government Prayer: Answered: Moses, Concerning the Complaint of the Israelites for Meat Religious Zeal: Exemplified Religious Zeal: Joshua Trouble: Food Unselfishness: Moses

Numbers 11:29

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