Numbers 11:10-17

How does the Lord answer Moses’ inability to carry the people alone?

Berean Standard Bible

10 Then Moses heard the people of family after family weeping at the entrances to their tents, and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly, and Moses was also displeased. 11 So Moses asked the LORD, “Why have You brought this trouble on Your servant? Why have I not found favor in Your sight, that You have laid upon me the burden of all these people? 12 Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth, so that You should tell me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries an infant,’ to the land that You swore to give their fathers? 13 Where can I get meat for all these people? For they keep crying out to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ 14 I cannot carry all these people by myself; it is too burdensome for me. 15 If this is how You are going to treat me, please kill me right now—if I have found favor in Your eyes—and let me not see my own wretchedness.” 16 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Bring Me seventy of the elders of Israel known to you as leaders and officers of the people. Bring them to the Tent of Meeting and have them stand there with you. 17 And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself.

What is the context?

Moses hears families weeping at their tents and speaks openly of a burden he cannot bear. His questions compare the demand placed on him with a nurse carrying an infant, and his distress becomes so severe that he asks to die rather than continue in misery.

The Lord directs him to bring seventy recognized elders to the Tent of Meeting. They will receive the Spirit and help carry the burden. The answer supplies shared responsibility rather than insisting that faithful leadership means one person meeting every need alone.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley emphasizes that the elders are known for wisdom and authority, not merely age. He understands the shared Spirit as God enabling their work without diminishing Moses’ own gift. The passage’s practical answer is help for the burden Moses has described.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

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