This verse from Exodus 14:11 expresses the Israelites' fear, resentment, and lack of faith in Moses and God shortly after they left Egypt. Let's break it down:
"They said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt..." This is a sarcastic and accusatory statement. The Israelites are implying that Egypt had plenty of burial places, so there was no need to bring them into the wilderness to die.
"...have you taken us away to die in the wilderness?" This is their primary fear. They believe that Moses has led them into a trap where they will perish from starvation, thirst, or attack by enemies.
"Why have you treated us this way, to bring us out of Egypt?" This is a complaint about the entire Exodus event. They're questioning Moses's motives and suggesting that leaving Egypt was a mistake.
In essence, the verse means:
The Israelites are terrified and regret leaving Egypt. They believe Moses has led them to their deaths in the wilderness and question why he ever took them out of Egypt in the first place. They are expressing doubt, fear, and a lack of trust in God's plan.
Context is Important:
This outburst occurs right before the miracle of the parting of the Red Sea. The Israelites are trapped between the pursuing Egyptian army and the sea. They are facing seemingly insurmountable odds, leading to panic and despair.
Significance:
This verse highlights the Israelites' initial struggles with faith and their tendency to forget God's power and promises. It serves as a reminder that even after witnessing God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt, they still doubted His ability to provide for them. It also sets the stage for God to demonstrate His power even more dramatically by parting the Red Sea and saving them.
This verse from Exodus 14:11 expresses the Israelites' fear, resentment, and lack of faith in Moses and God shortly after they left Egypt. Let's break it down:
"They said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt..." This is a sarcastic and accusatory statement. The Israelites are implying that Egypt had plenty of burial places, so there was no need to bring them into the wilderness to die.
"...have you taken us away to die in the wilderness?" This is their primary fear. They believe that Moses has led them into a trap where they will perish from starvation, thirst, or attack by enemies.
"Why have you treated us this way, to bring us out of Egypt?" This is a complaint about the entire Exodus event. They're questioning Moses's motives and suggesting that leaving Egypt was a mistake.
In essence, the verse means:
The Israelites are terrified and regret leaving Egypt. They believe Moses has led them to their deaths in the wilderness and question why he ever took them out of Egypt in the first place. They are expressing doubt, fear, and a lack of trust in God's plan.
Context is Important:
This outburst occurs right before the miracle of the parting of the Red Sea. The Israelites are trapped between the pursuing Egyptian army and the sea. They are facing seemingly insurmountable odds, leading to panic and despair.
Significance:
This verse highlights the Israelites' initial struggles with faith and their tendency to forget God's power and promises. It serves as a reminder that even after witnessing God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt, they still doubted His ability to provide for them. It also sets the stage for God to demonstrate His power even more dramatically by parting the Red Sea and saving them.