Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Exodus 14:12
[Is] not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For [it had been] better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.
12. They even declare that while they were still in Egypt they had been unfavourable to Moses’ plan. This is not mentioned before: in Exo 4:31 they listen to Moses gladly; at most, they had blamed Moses when they found increased labour imposed upon them (Exo 5:21). Even in Exo 6:9 (P) nothing like the words here used is placed in their mouth.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Let us alone – This is a gross exaggeration, yet not without a semblance of truth: for although the Israelites welcomed the message of Moses at first, they gave way completely at the first serious trial. See the reference in the margin. The whole passage foreshadows the conduct of the people in the wilderness.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt,…. The thing they suggested to him, and talked with him about while they were in the land of Egypt, before they came out of it, particularly after their service and bondage were made more severe and cruel upon Moses and Aaron’s demanding their dismission, see Ex 5:21:
saying, let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? peaceably and quietly, as we have been used to do, since there is no likelihood of being freed, and since we are more evilly treated than before:
for it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness: of such mean spirits were they, and had so poor a notion of, and taste for liberty, and so ungrateful were they to their deliverer.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(12) Is not this the word that we did tell thee . . .?At one time they had refused to listen to Moses (Exo. 6:9) but in the main they had acquiesced in his proceedings, and allowed him to act in their name. The reproach was therefore unjust and undeserved; but it is in human nature to make such reproaches in times of danger and difficulty.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
Is this the language of those who had seen the miracles in Egypt? Alas! my soul, what is man!
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Exo 14:12 [Is] not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For [it had been] better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.
Ver. 12. Is not this the word? ] Invalidum omne natura querulum. a Weak spirits are ever quarrelling and contending.
a Seneca.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Is not. ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Is not this: Exo 5:21, Exo 3:9
Let us alone: Hos 4:17, Mar 1:24, Mar 5:7, Mar 5:17, Mar 5:18
For it had: Jon 4:3, Jon 4:8
Reciprocal: Exo 6:9 – hearkened Exo 13:17 – the people repent Exo 17:2 – the people Num 20:4 – that we Jos 7:7 – to deliver 1Sa 8:8 – General 1Sa 27:1 – there is nothing 2Sa 14:32 – it had been Psa 78:42 – the day Psa 106:7 – but Act 7:39 – and in
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
14:12 [Is] not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let {g} us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For [it had been] better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.
(g) Such is the impatience of the flesh, that it cannot wait for God’s appointed time.