Abstract
In Numbers 11, Eldad and Medad, two of the seventy chosen elders of the people of Israel remain in camp, while their counterparts join Moses at the Tent of Meeting. At the Tent, God takes some of the divine spirit that is on Moses and puts it on the elders, who then speak in ecstasy (others: prophesy, have a vision). Suddenly and simultaneously Eldad and Medad also speak in ecstasy (others: prophesy, have a vision). This article addresses how the text has been received and interpreted in the postbiblical world, largely in rabbinic writings, but also in religiously based homilies and commentaries written by Jews and Christians, and likewise in secular scholarly commentaries. Eldad and Medad’s in-camp ecstasy/ prophesying/having a vision, invites explanation and explication. Moses generally is portrayed as being pleased about the Eldad-Medad episode, but there may be more to the matter.
DOI
10.7252/Journal.01.2026S.09
Recommended Citation
Zucker, David J.
(2026)
"Eldad and Medad’s Effusive and Momentous Worlds: A Diachronic View,"
The Asbury Theological Journal:
Vol. 81:
No.
1, p. 316-336.
Available at:
https://place.asburyseminary.edu/asburyjournal/vol81/iss1/10
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