Eldad

Biblical Account

Eldad appears only in Numbers 11. When the Israelites complained in the wilderness and demanded meat, Moses cried out to God that he could not bear the burden of the people alone. God told him to gather seventy of the elders of the people and station them before the tabernacle (the tent of meeting, where God met with his people). God then took of the spirit that was upon Moses and put it upon them, and the elders prophesied (Numbers 11:16-25). The chapter is set against the background of the manna and quail episode.

Eldad and Medad were among those "written" (that is, whose names were recorded) on the list of elders. The two, however, did not go out to the tabernacle but remained in the camp. Even so, the spirit rested upon them, and they prophesied in the camp (Numbers 11:26). The Korean Revised Version (Gaeyeok Hangeul) renders the word for this spirit as sin, while the Revised New Korean Version (Gaeyeok Gaejeong) renders it as yeong. A young man ran and told Moses what had happened (11:27). When Joshua, who had served Moses from his youth, asked him to forbid them, Moses replied: "Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD's people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!" (11:29). Scripture records neither Eldad's tribe nor his later life. His name is commonly interpreted as meaning "God has loved."

Significance Within Scripture

This episode is read as showing that the Spirit of God is not bound to a fixed place or ritual. It is also read as revealing Moses' unwillingness to monopolize authority. The New Testament does not mention Eldad by name. Moses' wish that all the people might receive the Spirit, however, is often read together with the prophecy of Joel 2:28-29, which Peter quoted at the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:16-21).

Interpretation and Debate

The text does not explain why Eldad and Medad did not go to the tabernacle. Jewish tradition preserves an explanation that the two, out of humility, considered themselves unworthy. This is a later interpretation, not part of the text itself. The early Christian writing The Shepherd of Hermas cites a book titled Eldad and Modad, which is known as an apocryphal work that no longer survives.

Interpreters also differ on the nature of the "prophesying" described here. Pentecostal and charismatic traditions tend to emphasize the scene as a foreshadowing of the Holy Spirit being poured out on all believers. Other interpreters tend to see it as a one-time sign by which God confirmed the elders' office, citing 11:25, which many translations render as saying that they "did not do so again" (the KJV reads "did not cease"). Some interpreters also connect Moses' words with the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers.

In the Korean Church

In the Korean church, Eldad himself rarely receives particular attention. The passage is usually preached with a focus on Numbers 11:29. Common themes include the humility of leaders, refusing to envy the gifts of others, and the free working of the Holy Spirit.