Numbers 11:16 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God commands Moses to gather seventy elders to the tabernacle to share his burden.
The Context of Numbers 11:16
God's answer to Moses's admission of inability: share the burden among trustworthy leaders.
What Does Numbers 11:16 Mean?
Rather than abandon Moses or judge him for his complaint, God responds with a solution. He instructs Moses to select seventy elders—leaders whom he trusts—and bring them to the tabernacle. The number seventy represents a council of mature, established leadership.
This move distributes authority and responsibility. God recognizes that one person cannot lead a nation alone and provides Moses with trusted helpers. The tabernacle, God's dwelling place, becomes the location where this shared leadership is inaugurated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 11:16
What does Numbers 11:16 mean?
God commands Moses to gather seventy elders to the tabernacle to share his burden.
What is the context of Numbers 11:16?
God's answer to Moses's admission of inability: share the burden among trustworthy leaders.