Definition: And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 11:16. It’s a really important passage in the Bible about God’s plan to help Israel overcome a serious problem. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is sending a team of trusted leaders to help Israel defend themselves against a huge and terrifying swarm of insects. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the LORD said unto Moses…” : This sets up a conversation with God. It's like saying, "God wants to help us." “…Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people…” : This is the core of the instruction. “The elders of Israel” refers to a group of respected and influential leaders – maybe priests, judges, or other important figures. God wants to select these people specifically. “…and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation…” : God is giving these leaders special roles – they're officers . They are tasked with bringing these men to a place called the “tabernacle.” A tabernacle was essentially a sacred space where God would dwell with his people. Bringing them there was important because it meant they’d be in close proximity to God and could help protect the Israelites. “…that they may stand there with thee.” : This is the key instruction. God wants these leaders to stay with him for a specific period – likely for a few days – while he oversees the situation. They're being given a special opportunity to be present and actively involved in helping Israel. The big picture: God is setting up a plan to deal with a difficult problem (the swarm of insects) by assembling a small group of trusted leaders. They’re not just there to observe; they’re going to actively help protect the Israelites. Why is this important? This story shows that God is involved in our lives, even when we don't see him directly. It highlights the importance of trust and responsibility – these leaders were given a special task with serious consequences if they failed. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this story was important in the Bible? Give you some context about why insects were a significant problem for Israel at that time? Or, do you have any other questions about this verse?