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Hymes, David. “Numbers 11: A Pentecostal Perspective.” Article Critique
Amancio Rosas
The following article is an introduction regarding three different types of modern Pentecostal readings when it came to academics. This Article provides perspectives of both agreements and disagreements about the different theological statements that these individuals stated in their investigation on Numbers 11. David Hymes’s works have been published which is found in the Asian Journal of Pentecostal Studies. I will be providing an article critique on his work based on my observations and my understanding of the difference of both his observations of other academic individuals who wrote their commentaries regarding this text.
Summary:
3 Modern Readings
The article provides 3 modern readings regarding this Scripture and the different perspectives that it’s been talked about through statements. The two themes found were the leadership office enablement and the Spirit empowerment that we both see in the passage. Wonsuk Ma and Roger Cotton both see the similarities about this phenomenon since there was prophesying which is meant to be a sign than just a one-time scenario. The second perspective is focused through a Non-Pentecostals lens regarding glossolalia. Gordon Wenham talks about utterances that connected it with the New Testament account of speaking in tongues. Nobutoshi Kiuchi supports Wenham’s observation by representing a theory about ecstatics tongues connecting as certain experiences that end up to be common throughout that time frame. John Levison is against this point of view and focused on the uniqueness of this experience as being just an experience but not a common one. The focus He highlights is the dreams and visions that are mentioned in Joel 2.
Rolf Knierim provides a few steps about the exegesis of Numbers 11 that doesn’t support Pentecostal observations. He states that this account must be read through as a biography of Moses. He also states the importance of the context of Scripture that should highlight the real meaning behind the passages. Isolation for him isn’t common practice in interpreting Scripture and rather focuses on the unity of explanations to examine the truths presented. Lastly, the scriptures shouldn’t be taken as a multi-meaning but just a simple theme that is united through the context of Scripture. By not focusing on the main point and emphasizing the different highlights hinders the purpose of the background to present the real meaning.
David Hymes Analysis of Numbers 11:
Hymes notices that there is isolation when it comes to passages from the Book of Numbers that we can gain understanding and connection from. The context comes from Numbers 10 and 12 to get insights into Moses and the realities it provides. The story of God’s provision for the Israelites regarding food is stated by their complaining. The plotline about the elders is to provide Moses’ desire not based on fulfillment but based on restoring relationship with God and His People.
The elders served to help carry the load with Moses so he won’t be stuck carrying the load alone. The empowerment factor is the purpose of the Pentecostal perspective, when reading without the perspective the meaning is different. The event wasn’t based on empowerment but courage and boldness for the situation. There was a transfer of power when it came to prayer so it is said that Moses transferred wisdom to the elders. Moses desired everyone to be prophets which is simply to emphasize the roles and not the event.
He then approves Moses’s centric interpretation that the focuses should be on Moses as the main character of the plot. When it comes to the giver of the gift that is focused by not just a prophet or Moses but God who provides the provision. The focus of Moses’s spirit is the aim focus when power and driven actions are being cultivated. Learning the periods and traditions helps bring the gaps by learning about the discontent of people.
The Pentecostal view is focused on the prophetic promise for believers, but the disagreement is laying flat by the isolation of the passage which is more than just prophetic but dealing with murmuring which may be focused on the plot. The main goal that is presented when viewing this account as an intercessory challenge towards those than having people desire to be prophets.
My Observations:
Moses’s Desire | God is the provider of gifts
My suggestion when it comes to Moses’ desire for everyone to be prophets is the forthcoming of the Holy Spirit. Throughout the Old Testament, we see glimpses of the Spirit’s power when it came to empowering those for the task that was given. I do not believe the narrative of Moses being the only individual that shows the power of the Spirit if other people were able to prophesy as well which to me personally eliminates the argument of Moses being the only specific person that can hear from God. God needs to be viewed as the provider of the gift of prophecy to those He wants to receive it; Unless the other prophets were demonically inspired which isn’t the case we can conclude that this isn’t a Moses narrative versus other themes and emphasis of the biblical accounts. The purpose of examining Scripture within the context is looking at other information around the environment that we can conclude based on our perspective and not just a focus. If we do not have our eyes open on additional details, then we will lose other insights that can guide us towards interpretations that can bring unity instead of causing division.
Empowerment | Eldership | Wisdom
When it comes to the eldership moment when Moses gathered the 70 elders towards the tabernacle. The LORD spoke to Moses and took the Spirit and gave it to the 70 elders. This shows personally that God can give individuals in this case the Spirit to whomever He wants. While we see that this didn’t happen again it shows that God is the one that prompts the Spiritual Gifts to be activated. Eldad and Medad were prophesying because of the Spirit’s influence which rested on them which concludes Moses’s objection to His desire. Was this moment just an office type of approval that because the elders had the Spirit resting on them or could it be for empowerment? I agree that both could be simplified by the task of an elder which it would be wise for the LORD for the empowerment to be granted while the Spirit has rested on them which caused them to prophesy.
God’s Spokesman | Exchange | Intercession vs Spirit Baptism
It makes sense that throughout the generations He has called specific individuals to be the one’s that have spoken on His behalf. This was the function of the office of a prophet or those operating in this gift. There is the concept of anointing where people can lay hands to distribute some type of gift or power through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in this case the Spirit of God. Impartations were common for the purpose of empowerment and exchange meant to pass down the anointing to make an impact on the next task that God has for the individuals. We have Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, and others throughout the Old Testament who supported this type of exchange. Now the opinion about whether this was intercession or Spirit Baptism. This conclusion can be confused by the terminology of “They did not do this again” I wouldn’t come to the conclusion of this being an intercession because intercession is focused on continuing prayer. While Spirit Baptism is an inner working of the individual allowing sanctification, justification, and spirit-filled living to produce. I do believe that after the experience they received some type of empowerment which provides more awareness of the Spirit.
Conclusion:
I enjoy theological perspectives based on individuals’ backgrounds and their view of Scripture. This article provided the challenge of Pentecostal and non-Pentecostal views. I did agree on certain points of the articles and some I do not agree with and believe there needs to be a more overall examination. I provided my insights regarding the desire Moses had and how God is the ultimate gift giver. I challenged the battle between empowerment and election and how I see both being a part of the equation and the importance of service. Then stated the last point about God using people by passing along the exchange of anointing and the purposeful section of Spirit Baptism as an ongoing awareness of the Spirits involvement in the Old Testament. This article challenged my views on how to explain scripture, and learn to be balanced and understand both approaches and make a clear assessment.
My Faith Journey 