Numbers 11:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Shortly after the punishment ceased, they reminisced about Egypt, longing for the garlic, onions, and other delicacies, igniting their insatiable desire for these items. The writer, after noting their ingratitude, appropriately highlighted God's generosity by mentioning the manna, which served not only as bread but also as nourishment. He states: "They shall grind in millstones, and grind in stones, and boil in pots, and make ... consumption" (Num. 11:8). Despite the Israelites' grievances, the Lord's anger flared, and the Prophet became upset, exclaiming, "Why hast Thou embittered Thy servant ..., to burden me with this people? Did I conceive all these people, or give birth to them? For Thou sayest to me, Take them into thy bosom, as a nurse carries her child, to the land which Thou didst swear unto their fathers" (Num. 11:11-12). This statement highlighted their immaturity, as He compared them to an infant, focused only on nursing. Given the great displeasure expressed in these words, the Sovereign God instructed Moses to lead the people not through human power, but through divine grace. “Gather unto me seventy elders of Israel, whom you recognize as leaders; bring them to the tent of meeting, and they shall stand before you. I will come down and speak with you there; I will take some of the Spirit that is upon you and place it upon them, so that they may share the burden of the people with you, and you will not carry it alone" (Numbers 11:16-17). Through these words, the lawgiver realized he had received ample grace for his role. When God stated that He would take away some of the Spirit from Moses, it was not to diminish His power or grace, but to show that the grace already given was sufficient for present needs. The empowerment given to the seventy did not lessen Moses' grace; the evidence lies in his consistent ability to lead and perform miracles as before. Just as one lamp can illuminate thousands without losing its brightness, so too did God bestow grace upon the seventy without detracting from Moses. This principle continues today; for instance, many thousands baptized by a single priest receive the divine gift without diminishing his grace, just as numerous individuals ordained by a bishop maintain the original priest's gift. Yet, the Lord allows His servant to exercise discernment, saying, “Select those whom you deem fit."