share torah logo

Numbers 11:29 - Prophecy for all?

Numbers 11:29 - במדבר 11:29

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר לוֹ מֹשֶׁה הַמְקַנֵּא אַתָּה לִי וּמִי יִתֵּן כָּל־עַם יְהוָה נְבִיאִים כִּי־יִתֵּן יְהוָה אֶת־רוּחוֹ עֲלֵיהֶם׃

English Translation

And Moshe said to him, Enviest thou for my sake? would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!

Transliteration

Vayomer lo Moshe hamekane ata li umi yiten kol-am Adonai nevi'im ki-yiten Adonai et-rucho aleihem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לוֹ֙ מֹשֶׁ֔ה הַֽמְקַנֵּ֥א אַתָּ֖ה לִ֑י וּמִ֨י יִתֵּ֜ן כׇּל־עַ֤ם יְהֹוָה֙ נְבִיאִ֔ים כִּי־יִתֵּ֧ן יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶת־רוּח֖וֹ עֲלֵיהֶֽם׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לוֹ֙ מֹשֶׁ֔ה הַֽמְקַנֵּ֥א אַתָּ֖ה לִ֑י וּמִ֨י יִתֵּ֜ן כׇּל־עַ֤ם יְהֹוָה֙ נְבִיאִ֔ים כִּי־יִתֵּ֧ן יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶת־רוּח֖וֹ עֲלֵיהֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 11:29) occurs after Eldad and Meidad prophesied in the camp, prompting Yehoshua to urge Moshe to restrain them. Moshe responds with humility, expressing a wish that all of Hashem's people could be prophets.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Moshe was not jealous of Eldad and Meidad's prophecy. Instead, he rebuked Yehoshua for his zealousness, saying, "Are you jealous on my behalf?" Moshe's statement, "Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets," reflects his selfless desire for Klal Yisrael to attain spiritual heights, even if it diminished his own unique status.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:7) discusses prophecy as a divine gift attainable only through intense preparation and purity. Moshe’s wish underscores that prophecy is not limited by human hierarchy but depends on divine will and individual merit. His humility contrasts with Yehoshua's concern for Moshe's honor.

Talmudic Insight (Sanhedrin 17a)

The Talmud notes that Eldad and Meidad prophesied about Moshe's death and Yehoshua's leadership, which may have prompted Yehoshua's reaction. Moshe, however, prioritized the spiritual elevation of the nation over personal concerns, embodying the ideal of "bittul" (self-nullification) before Hashem's will.

Midrashic Interpretation (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:19)

The Midrash elaborates that Moshe’s response demonstrated his unparalleled humility. Unlike other leaders who might guard their authority, Moshe rejoiced in the prospect of others sharing in divine inspiration. This aligns with his title as "the most humble of all men" (Bamidbar 12:3).

Key Lessons

  • Leadership Humility: True leaders, like Moshe, seek the spiritual growth of their people above personal prestige.
  • Divine Accessibility: Prophecy is not monopolized; it reflects Hashem's grace to those who earn it.
  • Communal Aspiration: Moshe’s wish encourages striving for collective holiness, not individual distinction.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 17a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the qualifications and appointment of judges, illustrating the ideal of widespread prophetic inspiration among the people.
📖 Sotah 48b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the cessation of prophecy in Israel, contrasting the time of Moses when prophetic spirit was more widespread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Moshe mean when he says 'would that all the Lord’s people were prophets'?
A: Moshe expresses a wish that every Jew could reach the spiritual level of prophecy, showing his humility and desire for all of Israel to have a close relationship with Hashem. Rashi explains that Moshe was not jealous of Eldad and Meidad's prophecy but genuinely wanted all Jews to merit divine inspiration.
Q: Why was Moshe not jealous when others prophesied?
A: Moshe was the humblest of men (Numbers 12:3) and truly wanted others to share in divine wisdom. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 17a) teaches that true leaders rejoice when others excel in spirituality, showing Moshe's selflessness.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe's reaction in this verse?
A: This teaches us to avoid jealousy and instead celebrate others' spiritual achievements. Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:6) emphasizes that we should desire others to succeed, just as Moshe wished for all Jews to become prophets.
Q: How does this verse relate to leadership in Judaism?
A: Moshe demonstrates ideal Jewish leadership—one who uplifts others rather than seeking personal glory. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:19) praises Moshe for his willingness to share divine connection, setting an example for future leaders.
Q: Is prophecy still possible today according to this verse?
A: While the Talmud (Sotah 48b) states that formal prophecy ceased after the early prophets, the verse reminds us that every Jew has a divine spark. Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 7:1) explains that prophecy requires supreme wisdom and righteousness, which we should still strive for in serving Hashem.