The verse says the Spirit rested on them, and they prophesied, but then that they "did not cease." This ending is tricky; while some understand it to mean they kept prophesying, many scholars suggest it actually means they stopped and prophesied no more, emphasizing the temporary nature of this prophetic outburst for their appointment.
Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. And as soon as the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied. But they did not continue doing it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following a severe outburst of grumbling from the Israelites that led to God's fiery judgment, Moses cried out under the immense pressure of leading the people alone. In response, God proposed a solution: He would anoint seventy elders with a portion of Moses' spirit to share the burden, and as a sign of this divine empowerment, they would prophesy.
Did the elders suddenly start predicting the future? The word 'prophesy' held a richer meaning in ancient Israel.
In Numbers 11:25, the seventy elders 'prophesied' as the Spirit rested on them. This didn't necessarily mean they foretold future events. The Hebrew word for prophecy often encompassed speaking forth God's praises, declaring His will, or even exhorting people toward obedience and trust.
Think of it less like a crystal ball and more like inspired speech or action that revealed God's heart and purpose in a particular situation. For these elders, appointed as civil and spiritual leaders, their 'prophesying' was likely a manifestation of their God-given ability to govern justly and wisely, guided by the Spirit's insight.
Why did the Spirit's empowering presence seem to fade for the elders after this initial display?
The verse states, 'And as soon as the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied. But they did not continue doing it.' This phrase 'did not continue' or 'did not cease' (depending on translation nuances) points to the temporary nature of this prophetic outburst. The scholars debate whether it was a one-time event or ceased quickly, but the consensus is that it wasn't a permanent prophetic ministry for these elders.
The purpose of this manifestation of the Spirit wasn't to turn them into full-time prophets. Instead, it served as a powerful, visible sign from God. It authenticated their new leadership roles, assuring both them and the people that they were divinely appointed and equipped to share the burden with Moses. The Spirit's power was real and evident, but its specific manifestation here was for a particular, foundational purpose.
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Understand the original words
ruach · Hebrew Noun
The third person of the Trinity, the active agent of God’s power and presence in the world. In the Old Testament, the Spirit was often bestowed upon individuals for specific tasks, leadership, or divine communication.
naba · Hebrew Verb
To speak under the direct inspiration and authority of God. It involves delivering a message from God to His people, often revealing His will or future intent.
This event highlights God's response to overwhelming leadership needs and His gracious provision of enablement, while also underscoring the temporary nature of some spiritual gifts when they serve a specific, immediate purpose of validation and commissioning.
c. 1446 BC
Israelites Leave Egypt
Following the Exodus from Egypt, the Israelites begin their journey to the Promised Land, facing numerous challenges and requiring guidance and governance.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Wilderness Wandering and Complaints
During their 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites frequently grumble and complain against Moses and God, often about their food and living conditions.
c. 1406 BC
The People Complain About Food
The Israelites express intense dissatisfaction with the manna, yearning for the food they ate in Egypt. This leads to divine judgment and a plague.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Moses' Burden and God's Provision
Overwhelmed by the people's constant complaints and the immense responsibility, Moses cries out to God for help. God responds by appointing seventy elders to share the leadership burden.
c. 1406 BC
Elders Prophesy
When the Spirit of God rests upon the seventy elders, they begin to prophesy, demonstrating their divine appointment and equipping them for their new roles.
c. 1406 BC
Eldad and Medad Prophesy in Camp
Two elders, Eldad and Medad, who did not initially go to the Tabernacle, also receive the Spirit and prophesy within the camp, showing that God's Spirit is not limited to prescribed locations or rituals.
This passage describes Saul receiving the Spirit, which then caused him to prophesy, mirroring the elders' experience and showing a pattern of the Spirit being given for a specific task or role.
1 Samuel 19:20This shows another instance of people prophesying under the Spirit's influence, highlighting the ecstatic and sometimes uncontrollable nature of this gift, similar to how the elders' prophecy manifested.
John 3:34Jesus, as the Son of God, is said to be given the Spirit 'without measure,' contrasting with the partial impartation of the Spirit to the elders and underscoring Jesus' unique divine authority.
Acts 2:17-18This passage from Joel's prophecy, quoted by Peter, speaks of God pouring out His Spirit on all people, signifying a broader and more permanent outpouring than the temporary gifting of the Spirit to the seventy elders.
jfbNumbers 11:25: "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."
- when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease—As those elders were constituted civil governors, their "prophesying" must be understood as meaning the performance of their civil and sacred duties by the help of those extraord…
ellicottNumbers 11:25: "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."
(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 verse says the Spirit rested on them, and they prophesied, but then that they "did not cease." This ending is tricky; while some understand it to mean they kept prophesying, many scholars suggest it actually means they stopped and prophesied no more, emphasizing the temporary nature of this prophetic outburst for their appointment.
Following a severe outburst of grumbling from the Israelites that led to God's fiery judgment, Moses cried out under the immense pressure of leading the people alone. In response, God proposed a solution: He would anoint seventy elders with a portion of Moses' spirit to share the burden, and as a sign of this divine empowerment, they would prophesy.
Following a severe outburst of grumbling from the Israelites that led to God's fiery judgment, Moses cried out under the immense pressure of leading the people alone. In response, God proposed a solution: He would anoint seventy elders with a portion of Moses' spirit to share the burden, and as a sign of this divine empowerment, they would prophesy.
"Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. And as soon as the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied. But they did not continue doing it." — The verse says the Spirit rested on them, and they prophesied, but then that they "did not cease." This ending is tricky; while some understand it to mean they kept prophesying, many scholars sug…
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Last reviewed October 2026
