Good News Bible

Numbers 11:7-17 Good News Bible (GNB)

7. (Manna was like small seeds, whitish yellow in colour.

8-9. It fell on the camp at night along with the dew. The next morning the people would go round and gather it, grind it or pound it into flour, and then boil it and make it into flat cakes. It tasted like bread baked with olive oil.)

10. Moses heard all the people complaining as they stood about in groups at the entrances of their tents. He was distressed because the Lord was angry with them,

11. and he said to the Lord, “Why have you treated me so badly? Why are you displeased with me? Why have you given me the responsibility for all these people?

12. I didn't create them or bring them to birth! Why should you ask me to act like a nurse and carry them in my arms like babies all the way to the land you promised to their ancestors?

13. Where could I get enough meat for all these people? They keep whining and asking for meat.

14. I can't be responsible for all these people by myself; it's too much for me!

15. If you are going to treat me like this, take pity on me and kill me, so that I won't have to endure your cruelty any longer.”

16. The Lord said to Moses, “Assemble seventy respected men who are recognized as leaders of the people, bring them to me at the Tent of my presence, and tell them to stand there beside you.

17. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the spirit I have given you and give it to them. Then they can help you to bear the responsibility for these people, and you will not have to bear it alone.