10 Moses heard the people of every family wailing(A) at the entrance to their tents. The Lord became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. 11 He asked the Lord, “Why have you brought this trouble(B) on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me?(C) 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,(D) to the land you promised on oath(E) to their ancestors?(F) 13 Where can I get meat for all these people?(G) 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.(H) 15 If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me(I)—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin.”

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10 Moses heard the people, family after family, crying at the entrance of their tents. The Lord was very angry;(A) Moses was also provoked.[a] 11 So Moses asked the Lord, “Why have You brought such trouble on Your servant? Why are You angry with me, and why do You burden me with all these people?(B) 12 Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth so You should tell me, ‘Carry them at your breast, as a nursing woman carries a baby,’(C) to the land that You[b] swore to give their fathers?(D) 13 Where can I get meat to give all these people? For they are crying to me: ‘Give us meat to eat!’ 14 I can’t carry all these people by myself. They are too much for me. 15 If You are going to treat me like this, please kill me right now.(E) If You are pleased with me,(F) don’t let me see my misery[c] anymore.”

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Footnotes

  1. Numbers 11:10 Lit and it was evil in the eyes of Moses
  2. Numbers 11:12 One Hb ms, Sam, LXX, Syr, Tg read I
  3. Numbers 11:15 Ancient Jewish tradition reads Your misery