King James Version

What Does Numbers 11:25 Mean?

“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.”

Context

And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.

And Moses went out, and told the people the words of the LORD, and gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people, and set them round about the tabernacle.

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.

But 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 unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp.

And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp.

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Topics in This Verse

Holy Spirit

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **In a cloud.—**Hebrew, *In the cloud.* **And gave it unto . . . —**Better, *and put it upon, *as in Leviticus 2:15. **They prophesied, and did not cease.—**Better, *they prophesied, but did so no more. *Comp. Genesis 8:12; Exodus 11:6; 2Samuel 2:28; so the LXX. The word *prophesy *does not necessarily denote the prediction of future events. It is elsewhere employed to denote the celebration of the praises of God, either with the voice or with instruments of music. (Comp. 1Samuel 10:6; 1Kings 18:29; 1Chronicles 25:1-3; Jeremiah 29:26.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 11:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.