“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.”
In this verse, we find Moses receiving a directive from the Lord. Let’s break down the verse and explore its context and significance.
Background and Context: Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and continues the historical account of the Israelites after their deliverance from Egypt. At this point, the Israelites are in the wilderness, journeying towards the Promised Land under Moses’ leadership. In this specific chapter, the people of Israel are expressing their discontent and complaining about their diet, desiring meat instead of the manna God had been providing them.
The Lord’s Instruction: In response to the people’s complaints, the Lord tells Moses to gather seventy men who are recognized as elders and leaders of Israel. These individuals are chosen based on their experience, wisdom, and reputation as leaders among the people. The Lord instructs Moses to bring these seventy men to the tabernacle of the congregation, where they will stand alongside Moses.
The Purpose: The purpose of gathering the seventy elders was to share the burden of leadership and authority with Moses. Up until this point, Moses had been primarily responsible for guiding and governing the people of Israel. However, the task had become overwhelming for him, as he alone bore the weight of making decisions and resolving disputes among such a vast multitude. The Lord, in His wisdom, chose to distribute this burden among the seventy elders, relieving Moses of some of the pressure.
Symbolism and Significance: The selection of seventy elders holds symbolic significance. In ancient Jewish tradition, seventy was considered a significant number, representing completeness or fullness. This choice emphasizes that the appointed leaders were representative of the entire community of Israel and that they would collectively participate in the governance of the nation.
Furthermore, the gathering of the seventy elders at the tabernacle served as a visible demonstration of their authority and legitimacy. By standing with Moses in the presence of the Lord, it confirmed their role as leaders appointed by God and authorized to share in the leadership responsibilities.
Lessons and Application:
- Shared Leadership: The passage teaches us the importance of shared leadership and the value of distributing responsibilities among capable individuals. Moses, despite being a great leader, recognized the need to delegate and seek the help of others. This principle applies to various settings, such as families, workplaces, and churches, where teamwork and shared responsibilities foster growth and alleviate burdens.
- God’s Provision: This passage reminds us of God’s faithfulness in providing the necessary resources to accomplish His purposes. The Lord understood Moses’ need for assistance and took the initiative to provide capable individuals who could shoulder the burden of leadership. In our lives, when we face overwhelming situations, we can trust that God is aware of our needs and will provide for us in His perfect timing.
- Recognizing Wisdom and Experience: The selection of the seventy elders based on their wisdom and experience highlights the value of mature and seasoned leaders. It is essential to acknowledge and respect the wisdom and guidance of those who have gone before us. Seeking counsel and learning from experienced individuals can be instrumental in our personal growth and decision-making processes.
In conclusion, Numbers 11:16 demonstrates God’s provision, Moses’ willingness to share leadership responsibilities, and the significance of wise and experienced individuals in the community. This verse reminds us of the importance of teamwork, delegation, and recognizing the
contributions of others.
