Definition: And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD’S people were prophets, [and] that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 11:29. It’s a really interesting and slightly unsettling passage about a strange problem with a group of Israelites. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: A group of Israelites – mostly young men – were having trouble with a plague of insects. They were constantly plagued by flies, mosquitoes, and other pests that were ruining their crops and making them miserable. They were so frustrated they asked Moses to do something drastic: find out if God would allow all the people in the entire nation to become prophets. Let’s unpack the key parts: “Enviest thou for my sake?” – This is a really direct question from Moses. He's asking, "Are you seriously considering this? Are you asking this because you want this to happen?" It suggests he believes this is a foolish or even dangerous idea. “…would God that all the LORD’s people were prophets…” – This is the core of the problem. The Israelites are suggesting that if God allows everyone to become prophets, it would mean that everyone would be called upon to follow God's word and act like prophets. It implies a massive shift in their way of life. “And that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!” – This is the most surprising part. The Israelites are asking if God would allow the entire nation of Israel to be filled with the divine presence – to be guided and empowered by God. What’s the Big Idea? Moses is deeply worried. He's questioning whether God wants this to happen. He’s essentially saying, "You’re proposing a radical change – that everyone would become prophets! What if it leads people away from their normal lives and responsibilities?" Why is this important? This verse speaks to a tension between obedience and freedom. It raises questions about: God's Sovereignty: It shows that God has the ultimate authority over what happens, and we shouldn’t challenge his plans even if we think it might be a bad thing. The Nature of Faith: It explores whether faith can truly change people or is simply a matter of belief? In short, this verse is a reminder that God's will is powerful and that we should always consider the implications of our actions. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, perhaps focusing on a specific aspect like the context of the story or the potential meaning behind the question? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical background of this passage? Discuss the symbolic significance of the insects?