Numbers 11:13-17

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Numbers 11:4-15

These verses represent things sadly unhinged and out of order in Israel, both the people and the prince uneasy. I. Here is the people fretting, and speaking against God himself (as it is interpreted, Ps. 78:19), notwithstanding his glorious appearances both to them and for them. Observe, 1. Who were the criminals. (1.) The mixed multitude began, they fell a lusting, Num. 11:4. The rabble that came with them out of Egypt, expecting only the land of promise, but not a state of probation in the... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Numbers 11:16-23

We have here God's gracious answer to both the foregoing complaints, wherein his goodness takes occasion from man's badness to appear so much the more illustrious. I. Provision is made for the redress of the grievances Moses complains of. If he find the weight of government lie too heavy upon him, though he was a little too passionate in his remonstrance, yet he shall be eased, not by being discarded from the government himself, as he justly might have been if God had been extreme to mark what... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 11:13

Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people ?.... This seems to countenance the Israelites in their lusting after flesh, as if it was no evil in them, and as if it was but right they should have what they desired, though it was out of his power to give it them: for they weep unto me, saying, give us flesh, that we may eat ; he seems to pity them, whereas he ought to have reproved them for their murmurings and ingratitude, and put them in mind of the manna which was provided... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible 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 , 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... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 11:15

And if thou deal thus with me ,.... Let the whole weight of government lie upon me, and leave the alone to bear it: kill me, I pray thee, out of hand ; take me out of the world at once, or "kill me now, in killing" F14 הרגני נא הרג "occide me nunc occidendo", Drusius; "occide me jam, occide", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator. ; dispatch me immediately, and make a thorough end of me directly: if I have found favour in thy sight ; if thou hast any love for me, or art... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 11:16

And the Lord said unto Moses ,.... Without making any reflection upon him, or upbraiding him with his unbecoming speeches to him, but in a kind and tender manner directs for his assistance and case: gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel ; out from among them, such as were not only men in years, but men of gravity, prudence, and wisdom; elders there were among the people in Egypt, Exodus 3:16 ; and it was from among such as those the seventy men were to be taken; we read of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 11:17

And I will come down and talk with thee there ,.... Descend from heaven, by some visible token of his power and presence, and in a friendly manner converse with him face to face; which was an instance of great condescension and grace, and especially when Moses had showed a very froward peevish spirit; yet all is overlooked, and the Lord vouchsafes the most intimate communion with him, and does him honour before the people: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee ; the spirit... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 11:17

I will take of the spirit which is upon thee - From this place Origen and Theodoret take occasion to compare Moses to a lamp, at which seventy others were lighted, without losing any of its brightness. To convince Moses that God had sufficiently qualified him for the work which he had given him to do, he tells him that of the gifts and graces which he has given him he will qualify seventy persons to bear the charge with him. This was probably intended as a gracious reproof. Query. Did not... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 11:13

Verse 13 13.Whence should I have flesh to give to all this people? Justly, indeed, does he accuse the people, and deny that he is possessed of flesh wherewith to satisfy so great a multitude; but he is wrong in expostulating with God, as if he were burdened beyond his strength; for, since God knew that he was unequal to so many difficulties, He supported him by the influence of His Spirit. But he sinned most grossly in the conclusion of his complaint, requesting God to kill him. In these words... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 11:16

Verse 16 16.And the Lord said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men. God complies with the request of Moses, by associating with him seventy companions, by whose care and assistance he may be relieved from some part of his labor; yet not without some signs of indignation, for, by taking from him some portion of His Spirit to distribute amongst the others, He inflicts upon him that mark of disgrace which he deserved. I know that some (20) regard it differently, and think that nothing was taken... read more

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