Numbers 11:14

14 ¹I am not able to carry all this people alone; the burden is too heavy 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 Did I conceive all this people? Did I give them birth, that you should say to me, 'Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a nursing child,' to the land that you swore to give their fathers?

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

14 I am not able to carry all this people alone; the burden is too heavy for me.

15 If you will treat me like this, kill me at once, if I find favor in your sight, that I may not see my wretchedness."

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

Cross References

• 1. Exodus 18:18; Deuteronomy 1:9, 12