Numbers 11:12

Translations

Modern

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?

Traditional

Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers?

Literal

Did I conceive all this people? Or did I beget them, that You should say to me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a guardian carries a nursing child,’ to the land that You swore to their fathers?

Latin

Numquid ego concepi omnem hanc multitudinem, vel genui eam, ut dicas mihi: Porta eos in sinu tuo sicut portare solet nutrix infantulum, et defer in terram, pro qua jurasti patribus eorum?

Original

Hebrew

English

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?

Notes

Numbers 11:10–15

The Israelites' constant complaining frustrated Moses, leading him to express his own complaints to God. With extreme sarcasm, Moses reminded God that he had not wanted this responsibility (compare Exodus 4:10). Israel became such a burden that Moses wished God would do him the favor of ending his life (compare Job 6:9).
Moses' complaint was acceptable, unlike the people's complaints, because he sought the Lord instead of longing for Egypt's pleasures.

Numbers 11:4–15

Israel had not given up the attitude that led to judgment at Taberah (11:1–3). At Taberah, the people complained, and the Lord sent fire among them.

Soon after, they joined the foreign rabble (a mixed group of non-Israelites who had left Egypt with them) in craving the foods of Egypt. They longed for the fish, vegetables, and other foods they had known there.

In doing this, they forgot the suffering and slavery they had experienced in Egypt. They remembered the food but ignored the hardship.

Numbers 11:1–35

This is one of many occasions in the wilderness when Israel was disobedient to the Lord.

Theme notes and profiles

Moses Bread from Heaven Spirit Empowerment

Related verses

Isaiah 40:11
He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.
Isaiah 49:23
Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow to you facedown and lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in Me will never be put to shame.”
Exodus 13:5
And when the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Hivites, and Jebusites—the land He swore to your fathers that He would give you, a land flowing with milk and honey—you shall keep this service in this month.
1 Thessalonians 2:7
On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children.
Genesis 50:24
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will surely visit you and bring you up from this land to the land He promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
Genesis 26:3
Stay in this land as a foreigner, and I will be with you and bless you. For I will give all these lands to you and your offspring, and I will confirm the oath that I swore to your father Abraham.
Ezekiel 34:23
I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd.
John 10:11
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
Genesis 22:16–17
…saying, “By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your only son,
Isaiah 49:15
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you!
Galatians 4:19
My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,
Genesis 13:15
…for all the land that you see, I will give to you and your offspring forever.

Glossary

Deuteronomy, Book of Faithfulness Manna Numbers, Book of Nurse

Topics

Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Kibrothhattaavah: Flesh Promised Manna: The Israelites: Punished for Despising Moses: Character of Complainings of Moses: Character of Impatience of Murmuring: Moses Nurses Prayer: Answered: Moses, Concerning the Complaint of the Israelites for Meat Presumption: Moses, in Rebuking Jehovah Trouble: Food

Numbers 11:12

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