Numbers 11:10-17

New International Version

¹⁰ Moses heard the people of every family wailing^(A) at the entrance to their tents. The Lord became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. ¹¹ He asked the Lord, “Why have you brought this trouble^(B) on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me?^{(C) 12} Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant,^(D) to the land you promised on oath^(E) to their ancestors?^{(F) 13} Where can I get meat for all these people?^(G) They keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ ¹⁴ I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me.^{(H) 15} If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me^(I)—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin.”

¹⁶ The Lord said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders^(J) who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people.^(K) Have them come to the tent of meeting,^(L) that they may stand there with you. ¹⁷ I will come down and speak with you^(M) there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them.^(N) They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.^(O)