Published by Vince Baker Ministries ·
“And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.”
Numbers 11:25 · KJV
Why did God give the elders the Spirit?
Moses says that he cannot bear the people alone. God's response includes men already recognized as elders. The Spirit's empowering has a specific assignment in this story: to share responsibility for people who need to be led and cared for.
Why does Moses welcome Eldad and Medad?
Joshua worries when they prophesy in the camp. Moses asks whether Joshua is jealous for his sake and wishes that all the Lord's people were prophets. Read his wish beside Joel's promise and Peter's use of Joel at Pentecost. The passages move from shared leadership toward a wider outpouring.
What did the staff of Moses signify?
In Exodus 4 God asks Moses what is in his hand and uses his staff as a sign. In Exodus 14 God tells Moses to lift the staff and stretch his hand over the sea. Numbers 11 gives us another picture of dependence. The leader who once lifted a staff at the sea must now admit he needs help carrying the people. Both scenes show Moses following a direction from God.
Put it into practice
If you are carrying a responsibility alone, identify one person who could share it. Ask what support, authority, and training they would need to do it well.
Read the Scripture passages
- Numbers 11:10-30 · KJV
- Exodus 4:1-5 · KJV
- Exodus 14:13-22 · KJV
- Exodus 18:13-26 · KJV
- Joel 2:28-29 · KJV
- Acts 2:16-18 · KJV
- Galatians 6:2 · KJV
