” And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.”
Context and Background: Numbers 11 is set during the time when the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness after their liberation from slavery in Egypt. The people had been complaining about their hardships and expressing dissatisfaction with the manna that God provided them as food. In response to their complaints, Moses cried out to God, feeling overwhelmed by the burden of leading such a large community alone.
God’s Promise to Moses: In Numbers 11:16-17, God responds to Moses’ cry for help. He informs Moses that He will come down and speak with him. God also promises to take some of the spirit that is upon Moses and place it upon the seventy elders of Israel. By doing this, God intends to equip these elders with the necessary authority and wisdom to assist Moses in leading the people. The purpose of this divine action is to alleviate Moses’ burden of shouldering the responsibility alone.
Sharing the Burden of Leadership: God’s plan to distribute the Spirit upon the seventy elders of Israel highlights the principle of shared leadership and the importance of teamwork. God recognizes that it is not good for Moses to bear the entire burden of leading the people on his own. By imparting His Spirit to the chosen elders, God ensures that there is a collective effort in guiding and shepherding the community.
Implications and Lessons:
- God’s Presence and Communication: God’s willingness to come down and speak with Moses demonstrates His personal involvement and accessibility to His people. It underscores the relational aspect of their covenantal relationship, where God desires to interact and communicate with His chosen leaders.
- God’s Empowerment: The act of placing His Spirit upon the seventy elders signifies God’s empowerment and equipping of individuals for specific roles and tasks. It emphasizes that leadership is not solely dependent on human capabilities but also on the divine enablement received through the Holy Spirit.
- Leadership and Delegation: This passage illustrates the significance of wise delegation and sharing the burden of leadership. Moses, despite being a great leader, acknowledges the need for assistance and seeks God’s intervention. The establishment of capable leaders alongside Moses not only lightens his load but also allows others to contribute their gifts and abilities for the benefit of the community.
- Teamwork and Community: The inclusion of the seventy elders points to the importance of unity and collaboration within the community. Each person has a role to play, and their collective efforts contribute to the overall well-being and progress of the group. This highlights the principle of unity and cooperation in achieving common goals.
In conclusion, Numbers 11:17 reveals God’s response to Moses’ cry for help and His plan to share the burden of leadership by empowering the seventy elders with His Spirit. This passage highlights the significance of shared leadership, divine empowerment, delegation, and the importance of unity within the community.
