Moses told God that he was no longer able to bear the burden of the people and their complaints alone. God commanded him to choose seventy elders to bear the yoke of the people with him. From this episode, the Sages learn how to convince a judge to accept the position.

God told Moses to approach those “whom you know to be the elders of the people” (Numbers 11:16). This teaches that there is no person who sits in a position of authority over the multitudes unless he is accepted among the elite upper classes of the people to the degree that when people speak about him, they say: So-and-so is decent, pious, and fit to be a wise leader. God instructed Moses: “And you shall take them” (11:16). This means that Moses must convince them with words. First, say words of praise to them: Happy are you that you were appointed; and only then say to them harsh words about the task ahead: Know that the people are libelous and obstinate. Accept this position in full knowledge that they will curse you and stone you. (Sifrei Bemidbar, Behaalotekha 92)