Numbers 11:14

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

Numbers 22:12

22:12 But God said to Balaam, “You must not go with them; you must not curse the people, for they are blessed.”

Numbers 33:56

33:56 And what I intended to do to them I will do to you.”


tn The word order shows the emphasis: “I am not able, I by myself, to bear all this people.” The infinitive לָשֵׂאת (laset) 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.

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.

tn The two verbs are negated imperfects; they have the nuance of prohibition: You must not go and you must not curse.

tn The word בָּרוּךְ (barukh) is the Qal passive participle, serving here as the predicate adjective after the supplied verb “to be.” The verb means “enrich,” in any way, materially, spiritually, physically. But the indication here is that the blessing includes the promised blessing of the patriarchs, a blessing that gave Israel the land. See further, C. Westermann, Blessing in the Bible and the Life of the Church (OBT).