¹¹ He asked the Lord, “Why have you brought this trouble^(A) on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me?^{(B) 12} Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant,^(C) to the land you promised on oath^(D) to their ancestors?^{(E) 13} Where can I get meat for all these people?^(F) They keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ ¹⁴ I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me.^{(G) 15} If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me^(H)—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin.”

¹⁶ The Lord said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders^(I) who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people.^(J) Have them come to the tent of meeting,^(K) that they may stand there with you. ¹⁷ I will come down and speak with you^(L) there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them.^(M) They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.^(N)