Numbers 11 16

Numbers 11:16 kjv

And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee.

Numbers 11:16 nkjv

So the LORD said to Moses: "Gather to Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the tabernacle of meeting, that they may stand there with you.

Numbers 11:16 niv

The LORD said to Moses: "Bring me seventy of Israel's elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with you.

Numbers 11:16 esv

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.

Numbers 11:16 nlt

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Gather before me seventy men who are recognized as elders and leaders of Israel. Bring them to the Tabernacle to stand there with you.

Numbers 11 verses

Numbers 11 16 Meaning

Numbers 11:16 records the LORD's direct instruction to Moses, commanding him to assemble seventy chosen elders of Israel. These individuals, already recognized leaders and administrators among the people, were to be brought to the Tabernacle of Meeting to formally stand with Moses, signaling a divine intention to share the overwhelming burden of leadership and governance that Moses felt. This directive was God's direct answer to Moses' lament over his inability to bear the people alone.

Numbers 11 16 Context

Numbers chapter 11 opens with the Israelites complaining against the LORD, for which fire consumed the outer parts of the camp (vv. 1-3). Their persistent grumbling for meat, yearning for the "good old days" in Egypt, and despising the manna, deeply distressed Moses. Overwhelmed by their unceasing complaints and the heavy burden of leading such a people, Moses felt he could not carry the entire nation alone (vv. 10-15). He poured out his heart to God, even expressing a desire for death rather than continuing to bear the singular responsibility. In response to Moses' plea, the LORD provided quails as a temporary solution for their craving for meat but, more significantly for Moses, provided a solution for the immense leadership burden. Verse 16 initiates this divine answer, establishing a foundational structure for shared leadership by appointing seventy elders to assist Moses, ensuring the distribution of spiritual and administrative authority to manage the vast congregation in the wilderness.

Numbers 11 16 Word analysis

• And the LORD said unto Moses: This common biblical phrase (Hebrew: "wayyo’mer YHWH ’el Mosheh") emphasizes direct divine communication and instruction. "LORD" (YHWH) signifies the covenant God of Israel, highlighting the authoritative and sacred nature of this command.
• Gather unto me: The Hebrew word is אֱסֹף (asaf), meaning "to collect, to bring together." This implies a deliberate, formal convocation, emphasizing that these men are assembled by God's directive, for His purpose, and in His presence.
• seventy men: The number seventy held significant symbolism. It represents completeness or perfect representation in various biblical contexts (e.g., 70 nations in Gen 10, 70 elders who went up Sinai with Moses in Ex 24). It likely signifies a comprehensive and representative body from across the tribes. This number also prefigures the later Great Sanhedrin, which tradition holds consisted of 71 members (often rounded to 70), indicating continuity in Jewish leadership structures.
• of the elders of Israel: Hebrew: זְקֵנִים (zeqenim). In ancient Israel, "elders" were not merely those of advanced age, but recognized leaders, respected for their wisdom, experience, and authority within their tribes or communities. They held positions of local administration and justice.
• whom thou knowest: This emphasizes Moses' personal familiarity and discernment in the selection process. It was not an arbitrary choice but a divine directive to identify those who already demonstrated leadership capacity and integrity, ensuring continuity and effectiveness. This indicates a human role in discerning divine choices.
• to be the elders of the people: Reinforces their pre-existing recognition and standing as legitimate leaders within the Israelite community, implying they possessed a proven track record of responsibility and influence.
• and officers over them: Hebrew: שֹׁטְרִים (shotrim). These were administrative officials or taskmasters, likely assisting the elders in maintaining order, recording, and executing decisions. They probably served as sub-leaders or enforcers of the elders' decisions, indicating a tiered administrative structure.
• and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation: The "Tabernacle of the Congregation" or "Tent of Meeting" (אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד - Ohel Mo'ed) was the central place of God's presence, worship, and divine communication. Bringing them here signifies the spiritual and sacred nature of their appointment and the divine origin of their authority. It underscores that their office is a divine calling.
• that they may stand there with thee: Hebrew: וְיִֽתְיַצְּב֥וּ (veyityaṣṣevu), "and they shall stand themselves" or "they shall present themselves." This phrase denotes a posture of readiness, submission, and reception of authority. It signifies their formal installation into service and a shared participation in Moses' unique role before the LORD, indicating a delegation and distribution of responsibility.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel": This phrase highlights God's initiative in providing a solution to Moses' overwhelming burden. It underscores that leadership is divinely appointed and established for His purposes. The command to "gather unto Me" means they are not merely working for Moses, but for God Himself.
• "whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them": This specifies the criteria for selection: pre-existing, recognized leadership roles and proven administrative capacity. It combines divine election with human discernment and experience, recognizing existing structures of leadership within the tribes.
• "and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee": This segment outlines the place and purpose of their formal inauguration. The Tabernacle symbolizes divine endorsement and the reception of divine anointing, emphasizing that their authority flows from God. Their standing "with thee" (Moses) signifies shared responsibility and unified leadership under God's ultimate authority.

Numbers 11 16 Bonus section

• The divine instruction for Moses to choose leaders he "knows" aligns with the biblical principle of appointing individuals based on their character and demonstrated capabilities, not just popularity or self-nomination.
• The emphasis on bringing these elders to the "Tabernacle of the Congregation" signifies that effective spiritual leadership must be rooted in God's presence and derived from His authority, not solely human wisdom or organizational prowess.
• This event serves as an early biblical example of delegation and the distribution of the Spirit's power for leadership, foreshadowing the equipping of many in the New Covenant church for various ministries (e.g., in Acts 6 where deacons are chosen to share burdens).
• The structure put in place by God through Moses for the seventy elders provides a precedent for communal and representative leadership that contrasts with autocratic rule, emphasizing accountability and shared spiritual responsibility for the welfare of God's people.

Numbers 11 16 Commentary

Numbers 11:16 is a pivotal moment demonstrating God's compassionate response to a struggling leader and His proactive measure to establish proper governance for His people. Moses, burdened to the point of despair by the relentless complaints of Israel and the enormity of single-handedly leading millions, was at his breaking point. God, rather than simply providing quails for the people's fleshly desires, addressed the deeper issue of leadership strain. By commanding Moses to gather seventy recognized elders and officers to the Tabernacle, God initiated a decentralization of authority and responsibility. This was not a demotion for Moses, but a divine empowerment and multiplication of leadership capacity. The specific mention of their existing recognition as "elders of the people and officers over them" highlights that God values experience and proven faithfulness in those He appoints to service. Their standing at the Tabernacle signified a sacred, divinely sanctioned appointment, preparing them for the reception of God's Spirit promised in the subsequent verse, enabling them to share Moses' prophetic and administrative burden. This divine act established a template for collective leadership, demonstrating that the burden of God's people is meant to be shared.