Numbers 11:16-17

Elders Appointed to Aid Moses

16 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Gather for me 1seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and 2officers over them, and bring them to the tent of meeting, and let them take their stand there with you.
17 3And I will come down and talk with you there. And 4I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them, and 5they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you may not bear it yourself alone.

Numbers 11:16-17 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 11

This chapter informs us of the complaints of the people of Israel, which brought the fire of the Lord upon them, and consumed many of them; and which, at the intercession of Moses, was quenched, and the place from thence called Taberah, Nu 11:1-3; and of the lusting of the mixed multitude after flesh, to increase which, they called to mind their food in Egypt; and to show their folly and ingratitude in so doing, the manna is described, Nu 11:4-9; and of the uneasiness of Moses, and his complaints of the heavy burden of the people upon him, Nu 11:10-15; and to make him easy, it is promised, that seventy of the elders of Israel should partake of his spirit, and assist in bearing the burden, Nu 11:16,17; and that the people should have flesh to serve them a whole month, Nu 11:18-20; at which last Moses expressed some degree of unbelief, Nu 11:21-23; however God fulfilled his promise with respect to both. Some of the spirit of Moses was taken and given to seventy elders, who prophesied, and two men are particularly taken notice of, who did so, Nu 11:24-30; quails in great numbers were brought by a wind to the people; but while they were eating them wrath came upon them, and they were smitten with a plague, whence the place was called Kibrothhattaavah, Nu 11:31-34; and from thence they removed to Hazeroth, Nu 11:35.

Cross References 5

  • 1. [Exodus 24:1, 9]
  • 2. Deuteronomy 1:15; Deuteronomy 16:18
  • 3. ver. 25; Numbers 12:5; Genesis 11:5; Genesis 18:21; Exodus 19:20
  • 4. [2 Kings 2:9, 15; Nehemiah 9:20]
  • 5. Exodus 18:22
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.