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Numbers 11:26 - Unexpected prophets remain?

Numbers 11:26 - במדבר 11:26

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשָּׁאֲרוּ שְׁנֵי־אֲנָשִׁים בַּמַּחֲנֶה שֵׁם הָאֶחָד אֶלְדָּד וְשֵׁם הַשֵּׁנִי מֵידָד וַתָּנַח עֲלֵיהֶם הָרוּחַ וְהֵמָּה בַּכְּתֻבִים וְלֹא יָצְאוּ הָאֹהֱלָה וַיִּתְנַבְּאוּ בַּמַּחֲנֶה׃

English Translation

And 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 upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out to the tent: and they prophesied in the camp.

Transliteration

Vayisha'aru shnei-anashim bamachane shem ha'echad Eldad veshem hasheni Meidad vatanach aleihem haruach vehemah baktuvim velo yatz'u ha'ohala vayitnab'u bamachane.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשָּׁאֲר֣וּ שְׁנֵֽי־אֲנָשִׁ֣ים <small>׀</small> בַּֽמַּחֲנֶ֡ה שֵׁ֣ם הָאֶחָ֣ד <small>׀</small> אֶלְדָּ֡ד וְשֵׁם֩ הַשֵּׁנִ֨י מֵידָ֜ד וַתָּ֧נַח עֲלֵהֶ֣ם הָר֗וּחַ וְהֵ֙מָּה֙ בַּכְּתֻבִ֔ים וְלֹ֥א יָצְא֖וּ הָאֹ֑הֱלָה וַיִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ בַּֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃
וַיִּשָּׁאֲר֣וּ שְׁנֵֽי־אֲנָשִׁ֣ים ׀ בַּֽמַּחֲנֶ֡ה שֵׁ֣ם הָאֶחָ֣ד ׀ אֶלְדָּ֡ד וְשֵׁם֩ הַשֵּׁנִ֨י מֵידָ֜ד וַתָּ֧נַח עֲלֵהֶ֣ם הָר֗וּחַ וְהֵ֙מָּה֙ בַּכְּתֻבִ֔ים וְלֹ֥א יָצְא֖וּ הָאֹ֑הֱלָה וַיִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ בַּֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Context of Eldad and Medad

The verse (Bamidbar 11:26) describes an extraordinary event where two men, Eldad and Medad, remained in the camp while others went to the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting). Despite not being physically present with the seventy elders, they were imbued with the Divine spirit and began prophesying. This raises several questions about their identity, their prophecy, and why they remained in the camp.

Their Identity and Selection

Rashi explains that Eldad and Medad were among the seventy elders chosen to assist Moshe, but they modestly declined to present themselves, feeling unworthy of the honor. The phrase "they were of them that were written" (וְהֵמָּה בַּכְּתֻבִים) indicates they were originally designated for this role, as their names were recorded in Moshe's list (Rashi, Bamidbar 11:26). The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 16) adds that they were exceptionally righteous, which is why the Divine spirit rested upon them even in their humility.

The Nature of Their Prophecy

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 17a) records a dispute about what Eldad and Medad prophesied:

  • One opinion states they prophesied about the quail that would later be sent (Bamidbar 11:31-32).
  • Another opinion suggests they foresaw Moshe's passing and Yehoshua's succession (Bamidbar 27:18-23), a prophecy that unsettled the people.

Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:7) cites this incident as proof that prophecy can rest upon individuals even outside formal leadership structures, provided they are spiritually prepared.

Why They Remained in the Camp

The Sforno explains that their remaining in the camp was not out of neglect but because they recognized that prophecy is not confined to a specific location—Hashem's presence is everywhere. Their humility and sincerity allowed them to receive the Divine spirit without needing to stand before Moshe. This aligns with the principle that true prophecy depends on spiritual readiness, not physical proximity (Sforno, Bamidbar 11:26).

Lessons in Leadership and Humility

The incident teaches:

  • True leadership is not sought for honor but accepted with humility (Rambam, Hilchos De'os 5:4).
  • Divine inspiration can come to those who are sincerely devoted, regardless of formal status (Tanchuma, Bamidbar 16).
  • Moshe's response—"Would that all Hashem's people were prophets!" (Bamidbar 11:29)—highlights the ideal of spiritual aspiration among all Jews.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 17a
The verse is discussed in the context of the prophecy of Eldad and Medad, and how their prophecy differed from that of the seventy elders.
📖 Sotah 30b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the nature of prophecy and the spirit resting upon individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were Eldad and Medad?
A: Eldad and Medad were two men from among the Israelites who remained in the camp when others went to the Tent of Meeting. According to Rashi, they were among the 70 elders chosen to assist Moshe (Moses), but they humbly stayed behind. Despite not being at the Tent, the Divine Spirit rested upon them, and they prophesied in the camp.
Q: Why did Eldad and Medad prophesy in the camp instead of at the Tent of Meeting?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 17a) explains that Eldad and Medad were originally part of the group of elders but remained in the camp out of humility, feeling unworthy. Hashem rewarded their humility by allowing them to prophesy even outside the designated place. This teaches that true prophecy comes from divine will, not just location.
Q: What were Eldad and Medad prophesying about?
A: According to the Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 95), Eldad and Medad prophesied about future events, specifically mentioning that Moshe would pass away and Yehoshua (Joshua) would lead the Israelites into the Land of Israel. Their prophecy was later fulfilled, showing that their words were divinely inspired.
Q: Why is this story important in the Torah?
A: This episode teaches important lessons about humility, divine inspiration, and leadership. It shows that prophecy is not limited to a specific place or time (Rambam, Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah). Additionally, Moshe’s response—'Would that all of Hashem’s people were prophets' (Numbers 11:29)—highlights the ideal of spiritual connection for all Jews.
Q: How does this story apply to us today?
A: The story reminds us that holiness and divine inspiration are not confined to formal settings like synagogues or study halls. Just as Eldad and Medad received prophecy in the camp, we too can connect to Hashem in everyday life through Torah study, prayer, and mitzvos. It also emphasizes the value of humility in spiritual growth.