Old Testament
Numbers 11:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The LORD said to Moses, "Bring me 70 men from Israel's elders — men you know to be leaders and officials among the people. Bring them to the Tent of Meeting and have them stand there with you.
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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.
What Numbers 11:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs Moses to gather seventy elders from among the Israelites. These men are recognized as leaders and officials within the community. The purpose of this gathering is to bring them to the Tent of Meeting, where they will stand alongside Moses. This act signifies the importance of shared leadership and the need for support in guiding the people. By selecting these elders, God is empowering them to assist Moses in his leadership role, especially as the demands of leading the Israelites grow. This moment highlights the value of collaboration and the distribution of responsibilities among leaders, ensuring that the community is well-governed and cared for. It also emphasizes the importance of choosing capable and trustworthy individuals to lead others, reflecting God's desire for order and structure within His people.
How to apply Numbers 11:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of leadership within our communities. We should seek to identify and empower capable individuals to share responsibilities, fostering collaboration and support. By working together, we can better serve and guide those around us.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Seventy Elders and the Quail (Numbers 11:1–35)
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Moses
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 11:16 mean?
Numbers 11:16 describes God's command to Moses to gather seventy elders from Israel. These elders are recognized leaders who will assist Moses in governing the people, highlighting the importance of shared leadership.
What is the significance of the seventy elders in Numbers 11:16?
The seventy elders represent a collaborative leadership structure that supports Moses. Their selection emphasizes the need for capable leaders to help manage the community's needs effectively.
What does the Tent of Meeting represent in Numbers 11:16?
The Tent of Meeting is a sacred place where God communicates with His people. In this context, it serves as the gathering point for Moses and the elders, symbolizing divine guidance in leadership.
How does Numbers 11:16 relate to community leadership today?
This verse illustrates the importance of empowering leaders within a community. It encourages us to identify and support capable individuals who can share responsibilities and foster collaboration.
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