Numbers 14:4
And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.
Original Language Analysis
אִ֣ישׁ
one
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אָחִ֑יו
to another
H251
אָחִ֑יו
to another
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
4 of 8
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
נִתְּנָ֥ה
Let us make
H5414
נִתְּנָ֥ה
Let us make
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 8
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
רֹ֖אשׁ
a captain
H7218
רֹ֖אשׁ
a captain
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
6 of 8
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
Cross References
Acts 7:39To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,Deuteronomy 17:16But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.Luke 17:32Remember Lot's wife.Hebrews 11:15And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.Deuteronomy 28:68And the LORD shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee, Thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy you.
Historical Context
Egypt represented slavery, oppression, and idolatry. Their romanticized memory forgot Pharaoh's brutality and the death of Hebrew children. This proposal essentially renounced their identity as God's redeemed people.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'Egypts' in your past does Satan tempt you to return to when faith is tested?
- How does rejecting God's appointed leaders reflect deeper rebellion against God Himself?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The ultimate rebellion: 'Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.' This proposal rejected Moses' God-appointed leadership and repudiated God's deliverance altogether. Returning to Egypt meant returning to slavery, showing how sin deceives into believing bondage is preferable to trusting God. This echoes Israel's later desire for a king like the nations (1 Samuel 8)—rejecting God's leadership for human alternatives.