Eldad is a lesser-known yet significant figure in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. He is one of the seventy elders chosen to assist Moses in leading the Israelites during their wilderness journey. His account is primarily found in Numbers 11:24-29, where he, along with Medad, receives the Spirit of God and prophesies within the camp.

Biblical Account

In Numbers 11, Moses faces the overwhelming burden of leading the Israelites, who are complaining about their hardships and lack of meat. In response, God instructs Moses to gather seventy elders of Israel to share the burden of leadership. Numbers 11:24-25 states, "So Moses went out and told the people the words of the LORD. He gathered seventy men from the elders of the people and had them stand around the tent. Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and He took some of the Spirit that was on him and placed the Spirit on the seventy elders. As the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but they did not do so again."

Eldad and Medad, however, were not present at the tent but remained in the camp. Despite their absence, the Spirit also rested upon them, and they began to prophesy. Numbers 11:26 records, "Two men, however, had remained in the camp—one named Eldad and the other Medad—and the Spirit rested on them; they were among those listed, but they had not gone out to the tent, and they prophesied in the camp."

Reaction and Significance

The prophesying of Eldad and Medad within the camp caused a stir among the people. A young man ran to inform Moses, and Joshua, Moses' assistant, urged Moses to stop them. Numbers 11:28-29 recounts, "Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, 'Moses, my lord, stop them!' 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!'"

Moses' response highlights a profound theological truth: the desire for God's Spirit to be upon all His people, not just a select few. This incident foreshadows the New Testament fulfillment at Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit is poured out on all believers (Acts 2).

Theological Implications

Eldad's account underscores the sovereignty of God in bestowing His Spirit and gifts according to His will. It also emphasizes the inclusivity of God's calling, as Eldad and Medad were chosen to prophesy despite not being physically present at the tent. This narrative challenges any notion of exclusivity in spiritual matters and affirms that God's Spirit can work beyond human expectations and limitations.

Furthermore, Moses' wish for all of God's people to be prophets reflects a longing for a deeper, more personal relationship between God and His people. This desire is ultimately realized in the New Covenant, where the Holy Spirit indwells all believers, empowering them to live out God's purposes.

Conclusion

Eldad's brief yet impactful appearance in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of God's generous and sovereign distribution of His Spirit. His account encourages believers to remain open to the unexpected ways God may choose to work in and through His people.Numbers 11:26-29
But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested on them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out to the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp.
Nave's Topical Index

Who were Eldad and Medad? | GotQuestions.org

How many prophets are in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about Numbers | GotQuestions.org

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