Eldad and Medad
Biblical prophets who prophesied while remaining in the camp.
Eldad and Medad are figures mentioned in the Book of Numbers, described as having prophesied among the Israelites while remaining in the camp, unlike the 70 elders who went to the tabernacle. Their story is used to illustrate that prophecy is not restricted to a select few, and various rabbinical traditions offer differing accounts of what they prophesied.
- field
- Biblical figures, prophets
- known_for
- Prophesying in the Israelite camp while 70 elders were at the tabernacle; subject of rabbinical debate on their prophecies
- nationality
- Israelite
Lore & Background
According to the Book of Numbers, Eldad and Medad prophesied among the Israelites despite having remained in the camp, while 70 elders had gone to the tabernacle outside the camp to receive the ability to prophesy from God. Joshua asked Moses to forbid them from prophesying, but Moses argued that it was good that others could prophesy and that ideally all Israelites would prophesy. The text states that Eldad and Medad 'were of them that were written down', which some textual scholars believe is a later gloss added to the original Elohist account by an editor who objected to the idea that anyone could become a prophet.
Reader's Guide
The story of Eldad and Medad is significant for its theological implications about the nature of prophecy. Biblical scholars suggest the real purpose of the narrative was to indicate that prophecy was not restricted to a select few people. However, the detail that they 'were of them that were written down' complicates this interpretation, as it may limit their representativeness. In rabbinical tradition, multiple opinions exist about what they prophesied: one source says they predicted a war with Gog and Magog; another says they predicted God's sending of quail in response to the Israelites' complaining; and a third, quoted by Rashi, says they predicted that Moses would pass and Joshua would lead the children of Israel into the Land of Israel. The names themselves are considered by some scholars to be chosen for assonance, with possible Hebrew, Assyrian, or Akkadian etymologies suggesting polytheistic or non-Israelite origins. According to Jewish tradition, Eldad and Medad were buried in the same cave in Edrei.
Did You Know?
- According to one rabbinical source, Eldad and Medad prophesied a war with Gog and Magog, with the king from Magog uniting non-Jews against Israel, who are then defeated by fire from the Throne of God.
- Another rabbinical tradition, quoted by Rashi, holds that they predicted Moses would die and Joshua would lead the Israelites into the Land of Israel.
- The names Eldad and Medad may have non-Israelite origins, possibly derived from the Assyrian word 'daddu' meaning 'beloved' or the Akkadian deity Adad (Hadad).
- The apocryphal Shepherd of Hermas (Visions 2.3.4) mentions a book of Eldad and Medad in passing, but does not quote their prophecy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Eldad and Medad?
They are two Israelite prophets named in the Book of Numbers who received the Spirit of God while still in the camp. Unlike the seventy elders Moses had chosen, they did not go to the tabernacle for the prophetic experience.
What is the Eldad and Medad story about?
When the Spirit came upon the seventy elders at the tabernacle, it also fell on Eldad and Medad in the camp, and they began prophesying. Joshua objected, but Moses responded that God's gift of the Spirit was not reserved for a select group and urged him to be glad.
Why are Eldad and Medad important in biblical tradition?
Their brief appearance functions as a theological statement that prophetic inspiration is not limited to a single leadership tier. They are frequently cited to support the idea that the Spirit can rest on any member of the community, not just appointed leaders.
Where in the Bible do Eldad and Medad appear?
They are mentioned only in Numbers 11:26–27, a short passage set within the broader wilderness narrative. No other biblical book references them by name.
What did Eldad and Medad actually prophesy?
The biblical text does not specify the content of their words, only that they prophesied. Later rabbinical sources offer various speculative accounts, but no single tradition has become the definitive explanation.
More in Mythological duos 1-24
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