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Book of Numbers - Chapter 11 - Verse 28

11:28
And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.

Meaning

In this verse, we see Joshua, the son of Nun and servant of Moses, speaking up to Moses about something he felt was concerning. The context of this verse comes from the Book of Numbers, chapter 11, where Moses is leading the Israelites through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. In this particular instance, two men in the camp had started prophesying, and some of the people felt that they should be stopped. Joshua, however, defended them to Moses, saying "My lord Moses, forbid them." This moment highlights Joshua's loyalty to Moses as his leader, but also his ability to see beyond his own perspective and consider the greater good. It shows us the importance of having the humility to listen to different viewpoints and not rush to judgment. Joshua's character of honor and respect towards authority figures is evident in this verse, demonstrating his qualities as a faithful servant and leader in the making.

Theological Overview

Regarding the phrase "the servant of Moses" in this verse, the term "servant" typically refers to someone who is a trusted aide or assistant to a leader. In the case of Joshua, being described as the servant of Moses emphasizes the close relationship and mentorship he had with the renowned leader of the Israelites. It underscores Joshua's role as a faithful follower and dedicated supporter of Moses. Additionally, the phrase "one of his young men" indicates that Joshua was still relatively young at this point in his life, yet he displayed maturity and wisdom beyond his years in his response to the situation at hand. The respect and deference he shows towards Moses by addressing him as "my lord" highlights the hierarchical structure and etiquette within the Israelite community. Joshua's humility and obedience are evident in the way he defers to Moses' authority, even when confronted with a potential challenge. Overall, this verse provides insight into Joshua's character and his relationship with Moses, setting the stage for his future leadership role among the Israelites.

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