Definition: And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which [is] upon thee, and will put [it] upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear [it] not thyself alone.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 11:17. It's a really powerful and important passage about God’s presence and how He works to help his people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is wanting to help the Israelites (and all people) through a special, powerful blessing. He wants to make the task of carrying heavy burdens easier for them. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And I will come down and talk with thee there…” – This isn’t just a casual visit. God is intentionally present with the people, offering guidance and reassurance. It suggests a deep connection and trust. “…and I will take of the spirit which [is] upon thee…” – This is where it gets more significant. The verse talks about a “spirit” – likely a feeling of fear, anxiety, or overwhelm. God is saying that He knows this spirit is influencing the people and making them uncomfortable. “…and will put [it] upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee…” – Here’s the key action. God is giving the people a special, extra helper . He's empowering them to carry the heavy load (the burden) together . He’s saying that these individuals will be able to do it as a team. “That thou bear [it] not thyself alone…” – This is the most important part. It means God isn't just giving them a helper; He’s removing the fear and anxiety that were causing problems in the first place. It’s about freeing them from the burden of worry so they can focus on the task at hand. In essence, it’s a blessing of protection and assistance. God is using His presence to ease the burdens of his people, giving them strength and allowing them to work together with a helping hand. It's about empowering them to succeed. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a symbol of God’s active involvement in our lives, offering support and guidance when we struggle. It emphasizes that we don't have to go through it alone – He’s with us. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Connect it to a specific story from the Bible? Discuss its symbolism in more detail?