“And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.”
Context: In the book of Numbers, the Israelites had been delivered from slavery in Egypt and were journeying through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. In this particular passage, Moses is feeling overwhelmed and burdened by the complaints and demands of the Israelites. They were dissatisfied with the manna God provided and were craving meat. Moses was feeling the weight of their complaints and turned to God in frustration.
Moses’ Burden: Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, but the responsibility of leading a vast multitude of people through the wilderness was overwhelming. In this verse, Moses expresses his frustration and despair by requesting that God take his life if he has found favor in His sight. This shows the extent of Moses’ burden and how it had affected him emotionally.
Moses’ Relationship with God: Despite his emotional distress, Moses acknowledges God’s favor by saying, “if I have found favor in thy sight.” This statement reveals the depth of Moses’ relationship with God. He had experienced God’s favor and blessings throughout his life and ministry, and he trusted in God’s righteousness and justice.
The Cry for Relief: Moses, feeling the weight of the people’s complaints and burdened by the responsibilities of leadership, requests God to end his life immediately. It is a cry for relief from the overwhelming pressure he is experiencing. This prayer shows Moses’ honesty and transparency before God, as he expresses his feelings of despair and asks for deliverance from his wretchedness.
God’s Response: Following Moses’ desperate plea, God does not grant his request for death. Instead, God provides a solution to alleviate Moses’ burden. He instructs Moses to gather seventy elders who will share the responsibility of leadership. God promises to empower them with His Spirit, so Moses does not have to carry the burden alone.
Lessons from Numbers 11:15:
- Honesty with God: Moses’ prayer demonstrates the importance of being honest with God about our emotions and struggles. God understands our human frailties and welcomes our honest expressions of frustration, despair, and even anger. He is a compassionate and understanding God who desires a genuine relationship with us.
- Trusting God’s Provision: While Moses feels overwhelmed, he still acknowledges God’s favor. Even in our moments of despair, we can remember God’s past faithfulness and trust in His provision. God may not always answer our prayers in the way we expect, but He remains faithful and provides for our needs in His perfect way and timing.
- Sharing Burdens: God’s response to Moses’ plea emphasizes the importance of sharing burdens and delegating responsibilities. No one should carry the weight of leadership or other burdens alone. God provides a network of support and community to help us navigate through challenging times. It is essential to seek help and support from others rather than bearing everything on our own.
- God’s Compassion: Through Moses’ prayer, we see God’s compassion and understanding towards His servant. Although God does not grant Moses’ request for death, He addresses Moses’ concerns and provides a solution to alleviate his burden. God is attentive to our needs and offers comfort, guidance, and relief in His perfect way.
Overall, Numbers 11:15 reminds us of the importance of honest communication with God, trusting in His provision, seeking support from others, and relying on His compassion and care during times of distress.
