Numbers 11:26Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It is important to recognize that the Creator of all instructed that the chosen ones should be assembled to total seventy. However, this number was not entirely achieved, as Modad and Eldad were absent. The remaining individuals were filled with the Spirit, resulting in them prophesying within the camp. Glaphira refers to the Exodus, particularly regarding the manna and the krastels.

Two among the seventy, Eldad and Modad, engaged in prophecy in the field (Num. 11:26). Jesus instructed Moses to prevent them (Num. 11:28). What was the reason for this instruction? It appears they prophesied in this manner: “Moses brought us out of Egypt, but Jesus will lead us into the promised land.” Hence, Moses declared, “I am not envious of this; rather, I desire that all the people become recipients of the gift of prophecy, and that the Lord might bestow upon them His Holy Spirit to replace the evil spirit that influences them and cast it away.”

Why did Eldad and Modad share prophetic messages before being counted among the seventy (Num. 11:26)? They likely possessed equal merit to the seventy and received this divine gift accordingly. However, the Scriptures reveal that those deemed unskilled by humans are often recognized by the One who oversees all hidden matters as truly capable. This divine generosity foreshadows the human ministry found in Cornelius, as he was granted the Spirit's grace even prior to his baptism. Here, we see the gracious disposition of the Lawgiver. When Jesus remarked, 'Lord Moses, forbid them' (Num. 11:28), Moses replied, 'How jealous art thou of me? And who shall give all the people of the Lord prophets, when the Lord gives His Spirit upon them?' (Num. 11:29).

The sixty-eight were present and prophesied, while Eldad and Modad were absent. This highlights that it was not Moses who bestowed this gift, but rather the Spirit at work. Even though Eldad and Modad were summoned, they did not arrive, yet they nevertheless continued to prophesy.

How is it that the two selected elders did not join the others at the tabernacle? It might be that out of humility or a reluctance to take on a role fraught with responsibility, they chose to stay behind, much like Saul, who hid among the baggage when he was chosen as king (1 Sam. 10:22). Alternatively, some commentators suggest a different explanation. They propose that Moses selected six elders from each tribe, resulting in 72 individuals instead of the 70 as instructed by the Lord (Num. 11:16). Consequently, two elders were omitted from participation despite their names being recorded among the chosen. Whether this exclusion was due to their own will, Moses' decision, or by chance, they remained in the camp.