Numbers 11:14

14 "¹I alone am not able to carry all this people, because it is too burdensome for me.

Numbers 11:14 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 11:14

I am not able to bear all this people alone
The burden of government of them, to take care of them and provide sustenance for them; but he was not alone, for, not to take notice of the rulers and officers in the several divisions of the people that assisted and eased him in lighter matters, advised to by Jethro, ( Exodus 18:21 Exodus 18:22 ) , the Lord himself was with him in all matters of moment and difficulty; to whom he could apply at any time for advice, and who had promised to supply and did supply the people with suitable and proper provisions every day:

because [it is] too heavy for me;
to answer the requests, redress the grievances, and supply the necessities of this people.

Numbers 11:14 In-Context

12 "Was it I who conceived all this people? Was it I who brought them forth, that You should say to me, 'Carry them in your bosom as a nurse carries a nursing infant, to the land which You swore to their fathers '?

13 "Where am I to get meat to give to all this people? For they weep before me, saying, 'Give us meat that we may eat!'

14 "I alone am not able to carry all this people, because it is too burdensome for me.

15 "So if You are going to deal thus with me, please kill me at once, if I have found favor in Your sight, and do not let me see my wretchedness."

16 The LORD therefore said to Moses, "Gather for Me seventy men from the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and their officers and bring them to the tent of meeting, and let them take their stand there with you.

Cross References

• 1. Exodus 18:18; Deuteronomy 1:12

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "heavy"