Numbers 11:14

11:14 I am not able to bear this entire people alone, ¹  because it ²  is too heavy for me!

Numbers 20:20

20:20 But he said, “You may not pass through.” Then Edom came out against them ³  with a large and powerful force. ⁴ 

Numbers 24:11

24:11 So now, go back where you came from! ⁵  I said that I would greatly honor you; but now the Lord has stood in the way of your honor.”

Numbers 22:17

22:17 For I will honor you greatly, ⁶  and whatever you tell me I will do. So come, put a curse on this nation for me.’”

¹ tn The word order shows the emphasis: “I am not able, I by myself, to bear all this people.” The infinitive לָשֵׂאת (lase’t) serves as the direct object of the verb. The expression is figurative, for bearing or carrying the people means being responsible for all their needs and cares.

² tn The subject of the verb “heavy” is unstated; in the context it probably refers to the people, or the burden of caring for the people. This responsibility was turning out to be a heavier responsibility than Moses anticipated. Alone he was totally inadequate.

³ tn Heb “to meet him.”

⁴ tn Heb “with many [heavy] people and with a strong hand.” The translation presented above is interpretive, but that is what the line means. It was a show of force, numbers and weapons, to intimidate the Israelites.

⁵ tn Heb “flee to your place.”

⁷ tn The construction uses the Piel infinitive כַּבֵּד (kabbed) to intensify the verb, which is the Piel imperfect/cohortative אֲכַבֶּדְךָ (’akhabbedkha). The great honor could have been wealth, prestige, or position.