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 22:10

22:10 Balaam said to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent a message to me, saying,

Numbers 22:19

22:19 Now therefore, please stay 3  the night here also, that I may know what more the Lord might say to me.” 4 

Numbers 23:18

Balaam Prophesies Again

23:18 Balaam 5  uttered 6  his oracle, and said,

“Rise up, 7  Balak, and hear;

Listen to me, son of Zippor:

Numbers 23:29

23:29 Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build seven altars here for me, and prepare seven bulls and seven rams.”

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 In this case “lodge” is not used, but “remain, reside” (שְׁבוּ, shÿvu).

4 tn This clause is also a verbal hendiadys: “what the Lord might add to speak,” meaning, “what more the Lord might say.”

5 tn Heb “he.” The antecedent has been supplied in the translation for clarity.

6 tn Heb “took up.”

7 tn The verb probably means “pay attention” in this verse.