Keraia
Numbers 11

Numbers 11:21

Seventy Elders Anointed · Numbers 11:16–30
Read Numbers 11

Translations

Modern
But Moses replied, “Here I am among 600,000 men on foot, yet You say, ‘I will give them meat, and they will eat for a month.’
Traditional
And Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month.
Literal
And Moses said, “Are six hundred thousand men on foot, the people whom I am among, and You have said, ‘Flesh I will give them, that they may eat for a month of days.’
Latin
Et ait Moyses: Sexcenta millia peditum hujus populi sunt: et tu dicis: Dabo eis esum carnium mense integro?

Original

Hebrew
English
But Moses replied, “Here I am among 600,000 men on foot, yet You say, ‘I will give them meat, and they will eat for a month.’

Notes

Numbers 11:16–30

Jethro suggested that Moses should have different levels of judges (Exodus 18:13–26). He focused on practical issues like the tribal leaders who helped Moses with the registration (Numbers 1:5–15).

In contrast, the group of 70 elders would give Israel spiritual guidance. They needed a share of God's Spirit. Moses already had this, and it made him the Lord's special spokesman. Their ability to lead depended on God's Spirit being with them (compare 1 Samuel 10:6; 19:20; Joel 2:28; Acts 2:16–18; 1 Corinthians 12:10; 2 Peter 1:20–21).

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 Spirit Empowerment

People

Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

Deuteronomy, Book of Numbers, Book of

Topics

Doubting: Exemplified Inspiration: General Scriptures Concerning Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Kibrothhattaavah: Flesh Promised Moses: Institutes a System of Government Prayer: Answered: Moses, Concerning the Complaint of the Israelites for Meat The Armies of Israel: Called: Composed of Infantry Trouble: Food Unbelief: General Scriptures Concerning