Who Was Medad in the Bible?
Man Living at the Time of Egypt and Wilderness
Medad is a significant, though lesser-known, figure in the Bible. He is mentioned in the book of Numbers, specifically in Numbers 11:26-27. Medad lived during the time of the Exodus, the period when the Israelites journeyed from Egypt through the wilderness. He is notably mentioned in the context of a remarkable event where the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and another man named Eldad, enabling them to prophesy within the Israelite camp.
Biblical Reference: Numbers 11:26-27
“However, two men, whose names were Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp. They were listed among the elders but did not go out to the tent. Yet the Spirit also rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp.” (NIV)
The Context of Medad’s Story
The event involving Medad occurred when the Lord directed Moses to appoint seventy elders to help carry the burden of leading the people. This appointment was in response to Moses’ plea for assistance in managing the growing responsibilities and complaints of the Israelites. The seventy elders were to gather at the Tabernacle, where God would take some of the Spirit that was on Moses and distribute it among the elders to enable them to share the leadership burden.
Biblical Reference: Numbers 11:16-17
“The LORD said to Moses: ‘Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.'” (NIV)
Medad and Eldad’s Unique Experience
Medad and Eldad were among those chosen but did not go to the tent of meeting with the other elders. Despite their absence, the Spirit of the Lord rested upon them, and they began to prophesy in the camp. This unusual occurrence caused concern among some of the people, prompting a young man to run and tell Moses. Joshua, Moses’ aide, suggested that Moses stop them, but Moses responded with a remarkable statement of openness to God’s Spirit working among the people.
Biblical Reference: Numbers 11:28-29
“Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ aide since youth, spoke up and said, ‘Moses, my lord, stop them!’ But Moses replied, ‘Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!'” (NIV)
Lessons for the Modern Christian
God’s Sovereignty and Freedom
Medad’s story illustrates the sovereignty and freedom of God in choosing whom He will use for His purposes. God’s Spirit is not confined to human expectations or locations. This reminds Christians that God can work through anyone, anywhere, and at any time.
Biblical Reference: John 3:8
“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (NIV)
Openness to God’s Work
Moses’ response to Joshua shows a profound openness to God’s work through others. He desired that all of God’s people would have the Spirit and prophesy. Christians today are encouraged to be open to the ways God may work through various individuals in the community, recognizing that God’s gifts and callings are diverse.
Biblical Reference: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” (NIV)
The Inclusivity of God’s Call
Medad’s experience highlights that God’s call and empowerment are not limited to a select few but are available to all who are willing to serve. This inclusivity encourages believers to see themselves as potential vessels for God’s work, regardless of their status or position.
Biblical Reference: Joel 2:28
“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.” (NIV)
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Desire to Empower
The event with Medad and Eldad shows that God desires to empower His people with His Spirit. This empowerment is an expression of His love and commitment to equip His followers for the tasks He calls them to.
Biblical Reference: Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIV)
God’s Provision of Leaders
In providing the seventy elders and empowering Medad and Eldad, God demonstrated His provision for leadership within the community. This provision reflects God’s care and concern for His people, ensuring they are well-led and supported.
Biblical Reference: Ephesians 4:11-12
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (NIV)
Connection to Jesus Christ
Jesus as the Fulfillment of God’s Promises
Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises, including the outpouring of the Spirit. The experience of Medad and Eldad foreshadows the greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which Jesus promised to His disciples.
Biblical Reference: Acts 2:17-18
“‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.'” (NIV)
The Role of the Holy Spirit
Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to His followers as a Comforter, Guide, and Empowerer. Medad’s story reminds Christians of the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in their lives, equipping them for service and enabling them to fulfill God’s purposes.
Biblical Reference: John 14:16-17
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (NIV)
Conclusion
Medad, mentioned in Numbers 11:26-27, is a notable figure who, along with Eldad, received the Spirit of the Lord and prophesied within the Israelite camp. This event underscores God’s sovereignty in choosing whom He empowers and serves as a reminder that His Spirit is not bound by human expectations or limitations. For modern Christians, Medad’s story teaches valuable lessons about openness to God’s work, the inclusivity of His call, and the empowerment provided by the Holy Spirit. It also points to the greater fulfillment of God’s promises through Jesus Christ and the continued work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.