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Numbers 11:28 - Protecting prophecy's sanctity?

Numbers 11:28 - במדבר 11:28

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַן יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בִּן־נוּן מְשָׁרֵת מֹשֶׁה מִבְּחֻרָיו וַיֹּאמַר אֲדֹנִי מֹשֶׁה כְּלָאֵם׃

English Translation

And Yehoshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moshe from his youth, answered and said, My lord Moshe restrain them.

Transliteration

Va'ya'an Yehoshua bin-Nun mesharet Moshe mibechurav va'yomar adoni Moshe kela'em.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֜עַן יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ בִּן־נ֗וּן מְשָׁרֵ֥ת מֹשֶׁ֛ה מִבְּחֻרָ֖יו וַיֹּאמַ֑ר אֲדֹנִ֥י מֹשֶׁ֖ה כְּלָאֵֽם׃
וַיַּ֜עַן יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ בִּן־נ֗וּן מְשָׁרֵ֥ת מֹשֶׁ֛ה מִבְּחֻרָ֖יו וַיֹּאמַ֑ר אֲדֹנִ֥י מֹשֶׁ֖ה כְּלָאֵֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 11:28) describes Yehoshua bin Nun's reaction when Eldad and Meidad prophesied in the camp. Yehoshua, Moshe's devoted disciple and attendant since his youth, urges Moshe to restrain them, fearing their prophecy might undermine Moshe's authority.

Yehoshua's Role and Motivation

Rashi explains that Yehoshua's concern stemmed from his deep loyalty to Moshe. As his mesharet (attendant) from youth, Yehoshua was fiercely protective of Moshe's unique prophetic stature. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 17a) notes that Yehoshua's plea reflected his understanding that prophecy outside Moshe's direct oversight could lead to division.

The Term "Kela'eim" (Restrain Them)

Ibn Ezra interprets kela'eim as a request to imprison or silence Eldad and Meidad, while Ramban suggests it means to rebuke or restrain them from prophesying further. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:19) states Yehoshua feared their prophecy might introduce unauthorized teachings.

Moshe's Response and Lesson

Moshe's reply (Bamidbar 11:29) contrasts with Yehoshua's stance: "Would that all Hashem's people were prophets!" The Sifrei emphasizes that Moshe, embodying humility, welcomed others sharing in divine inspiration. This exchange highlights the balance between maintaining authority and embracing collective spiritual growth.

Key Lessons from Orthodox Jewish Sources

  • Loyalty to Torah Leadership: Yehoshua's actions model zealous protection of Moshe's authority (Rambam, Hilchos Sanhedrin 2:7).
  • Humility in Leadership: Moshe's response teaches that true leaders rejoice in others' spiritual achievements (Avos 5:7).
  • Prophecy's Boundaries: The incident underscores the importance of prophecy aligning with Torah transmission (Ramban, Bamidbar 11:28).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Yehoshua bin Nun in this verse?
A: Yehoshua bin Nun (Joshua son of Nun) was Moshe's faithful student and assistant from his youth. He later became the leader who brought the Jewish people into the Land of Israel after Moshe's passing. Rashi explains that the phrase 'from his youth' shows Yehoshua's lifelong dedication to serving Moshe and learning Torah.
Q: Why did Yehoshua ask Moshe to restrain Eldad and Medad?
A: Yehoshua saw Eldad and Medad prophesying in the camp and was concerned this might undermine Moshe's authority. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 17a) explains Yehoshua acted out of great respect for his teacher Moshe, saying 'My master Moshe, restrain them!' to protect the proper chain of Torah leadership.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yehoshua's reaction?
A: This teaches the importance of showing proper respect to Torah teachers and maintaining the mesorah (Torah tradition). However, Moshe's response ('Would that all God's people were prophets') also teaches that we should rejoice when others connect to Hashem, showing both values must be balanced.
Q: Why is Yehoshua called 'Moshe's servant' here?
A: The Torah emphasizes Yehoshua's role as 'Moshe's servant' to show that his concern came from his complete devotion to his teacher. Rambam (Hilchos Talmud Torah 5:12) learns from this that serving Torah scholars is part of acquiring Torah knowledge, as Yehoshua's service prepared him to become the next leader.
Q: How does this verse connect to Yehoshua's future role?
A: This episode shows Yehoshua's deep commitment to proper Torah leadership, which made him worthy to succeed Moshe. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:19) notes that while Yehoshua was zealous to protect Moshe's honor here, he later showed similar care for the entire nation as their leader.