Ella 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 11:28 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Numbers 11:28 is a significant verse in the Bible, rich with meaning and insight into leadership, obedience, and God‘s plan for His people. Understanding this verse involves looking at the context surrounding it, its specific meaning, and how we can apply its lessons to our lives today. This article will break down the verse and explore its historical context, its spiritual meaning, its application in our lives, and provide a conclusion.
The Context of Numbers 11:28 KJV
The Setting of Israel’s Journey in the Wilderness
The book of Numbers is set during the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. They were on their way to the Promised Land, but their journey was fraught with challenges, complaints, and moments of doubt. Throughout their travels, God provided for the Israelites, giving them manna to eat, leading them with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, and raising up leaders to guide them.
However, despite these divine provisions, the Israelites continually grumbled and complained, especially about their food. In Numbers 11, the people’s dissatisfaction reaches a boiling point as they begin to long for the food they had in Egypt, rather than the manna that God provided. This complaint causes Moses, the leader, to cry out to God, asking for help, as he was overwhelmed with the burden of leading such a difficult people.
In response, God provides Moses with help. He appoints seventy elders to assist in the leadership of Israel, sharing the burden of governance. These elders would be empowered by God’s Spirit to help Moses lead the people. Numbers 11:28 follows closely on the heels of this development.
The Characters Involved in Numbers 11:28
In this verse, we find two main figures: Joshua and Moses. Joshua, the young assistant to Moses, is concerned about the actions of Eldad and Medad, two men who had been chosen as part of the seventy elders but were prophesying outside of the appointed gathering. This raises a question about the authority and boundaries of God’s Spirit.
Joshua speaks to Moses out of concern, and Moses responds with wisdom and humility. Understanding this interaction helps us grasp the significance of Numbers 11:28 and the leadership model presented here.
Numbers 11:28 (KJV)
The verse reads:
“And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.” — Numbers 11:28 (KJV)
Breaking Down the Verse
“And Joshua the son of Nun”
Joshua, the son of Nun, was a key figure in Israel’s history. He was Moses’ assistant and a future leader of Israel. Joshua is introduced here in his role as Moses’ servant, demonstrating his loyalty and commitment to Moses. He was a young man who had been closely trained and mentored by Moses.
“The servant of Moses, one of his young men”
Joshua is described as the servant of Moses, showing his humility and willingness to serve. The phrase “one of his young men” emphasizes Joshua’s youth and his position as an assistant or helper to Moses. He had likely been with Moses for many years and was learning leadership from him.
“Answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.”
Joshua speaks up with a concern. He has observed that Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp, and he believes that they are acting out of turn. Joshua’s concern comes from a desire to maintain order and authority. The word “forbid” indicates that Joshua feels these men should not be allowed to continue, as their actions might disrupt the established order.
Numbers 11:28 Meaning
Joshua’s Concern: Maintaining Order and Authority
Joshua’s request to Moses to forbid Eldad and Medad from prophesying in the camp reflects his concern for maintaining the structure and authority that had been established. Joshua likely believed that the elders who had been chosen were doing so under the authority of Moses and that anyone outside of this authority should not be allowed to act in the same way. In his view, Eldad and Medad were stepping out of line by prophesying in the camp without being in the designated assembly.
This reaction is understandable when we consider Joshua’s position as Moses’ assistant and the role he played in upholding the structure of leadership. Joshua may have feared that allowing these two men to prophesy outside the formal gathering would create confusion and undermine Moses’ leadership.
Moses’ Response to Joshua’s Concern
Though Joshua was concerned about maintaining order, Moses’ response in the following verses reveals a deeper understanding of God’s sovereignty and the nature of His Spirit. Moses did not share Joshua’s concern about Eldad and Medad. Instead, he affirmed that it was not his place to stop them. Moses’ humility and trust in God’s will are evident in his words, showing that leadership should not be about controlling others but allowing God’s Spirit to move as He chooses.
Moses’ response highlights the idea that God’s Spirit is not bound by human structures or expectations. The presence of God’s Spirit among the people was not limited to the official leaders but could be given to anyone according to God’s will. This was a lesson in the humility of leadership and the need to trust in God’s plans.
The Broader Lesson of Numbers 11:28
Numbers 11:28 teaches us about the tension between human concerns for order and authority and the freedom of God’s Spirit to work outside of those boundaries. It shows that leadership should not be about control but about allowing God to use people as He wills. Moses, as a leader, demonstrated wisdom by not trying to stop the prophesying but instead embracing God’s work, even when it occurred outside of the expected framework.
The situation also shows that sometimes those in authority may not fully understand or agree with what God is doing through others. This calls for humility and trust, recognizing that God’s ways are higher than our own and that He can use anyone for His purposes.
Numbers 11:28 Application in Life
Leadership and Humility
One of the most important applications of Numbers 11:28 is the example of leadership demonstrated by Moses. Moses did not try to control or limit God’s work through others. Instead, he showed humility by accepting that God was in control and that His Spirit could work through anyone, not just those in official leadership roles.
In our own lives, we are often called to lead in various capacities, whether at work, in the church, or in our families. This passage teaches us that true leadership is not about asserting our authority but about trusting God to use others and allowing His will to be done. We should not be threatened by others who are used by God, even if they are not in positions of leadership or authority. Instead, we should celebrate God’s work and support others in their callings.
Trusting God’s Will in Unexpected Ways
The actions of Eldad and Medad remind us that God’s Spirit can work in ways we do not expect. We may have a certain understanding of how God should move or work, but He is not limited to our expectations. This challenges us to be open to God moving in unconventional ways and through people we might not expect.
Just as Moses trusted in God’s sovereignty, we are called to trust that God will do His will, even when it doesn’t match our understanding. Whether in our personal lives, in our church communities, or in our workplaces, we must remain open to God’s direction and be willing to allow Him to work through anyone He chooses.
Dealing with Conflict and Differing Opinions
Joshua’s concern about Eldad and Medad’s actions represents a common issue in human relationships: conflict arising from differing opinions or understandings. Joshua was trying to protect the order and structure he knew, while Moses was focused on God’s broader purposes. The tension between these two perspectives provides insight into how we can handle conflict in our own lives.
When we disagree with others, especially in situations where leadership or authority is involved, we should respond with humility and a willingness to listen. Instead of trying to impose our own solutions, we can learn from Moses and trust that God will guide us and those around us according to His will.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives
Another key takeaway from this passage is the role of the Holy Spirit. Eldad and Medad were prophesying because God’s Spirit was upon them, regardless of their position or location. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit continues to empower believers to fulfill God’s purposes. As Christians, we should be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading in our own lives and trust that He will guide us in the tasks and roles God has for us.
Conclusion
Numbers 11:28 teaches important lessons about leadership, humility, trust in God, and the work of the Holy Spirit. Joshua’s concern for order and authority was met by Moses’ response of wisdom and trust in God’s sovereignty. As we navigate our own leadership roles, conflicts, and relationship dynamics, we can learn from Moses’ example. We are reminded to trust in God’s plan, embrace His work, and allow His Spirit to move freely in our lives. By doing so, we can cultivate a heart of humility, openness, and faith, trusting that God is in control and that He is using His people to accomplish His will.
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