Eldad and Medad Prophesy While the Seventy Elders Fall Silent

The elders prophesied only concerning the morrow, as it is said (in Numbers 11:18): "And to the people you shall say: Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow." But these men prophesied what was destined to be at the end of forty years, as it is said (in Numbers 11:26-27): "And two men remained in the camp; the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the second Medad, and they were prophesying in the camp." And what were they prophesying? Some say: concerning the downfall of Gog and Magog. And some say: they were prophesying that Moses would die and Joshua would bring Israel into the land. Know that this is what they were prophesying, for it is said (in Numbers 11:28): "And Joshua son of Nun, the attendant of Moses from his youth, answered and said: My lord Moses, restrain them!" (And in Numbers 11:27): "And the lad ran and told Moses." And who was he? He was Gershom son of Moses. The elders did not enter the land, but these entered the land. Eldad is Elidad son of Chislon (Numbers 34:21), and Medad is Kemuel son of Shiphtan (Numbers 34:24). The elders' names were not specified, but these had their names specified. The elders' prophecy ceased, but these — their prophecy did not cease, as it is said (in Numbers 11:25): "And they prophesied, but they did not continue." The elders' prophecy was from that which belonged to Moses, for so Scripture said (in Numbers 11:17): "I will set aside some of the spirit." But these — their prophecy was from that which belonged to the Holy One, blessed be He, as it is said (in Numbers 11:26): "And the spirit rested upon them."