Features Pricing Bible Library Churches About Sign in Begin

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.

Exodus 14:12 · King James Version

Meaning

Upon the Israelites' escape from Egypt and their journey through the wilderness, they faced numerous challenges and hardships. In this particular verse, the Israelites express regret for leaving Egypt and question whether it would have been better to remain in slavery rather than face potential death in the wilderness. This sentiment reflects the fear and uncertainty that they experienced as they struggled in the unfamiliar and often dangerous terrain. However, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and trust in God's plan. Despite their doubts and fear, God ultimately led the Israelites to freedom and safety, demonstrating his power and faithfulness. This verse highlights the struggle between trusting in God's promises and relying on human understanding, a theme that resonates throughout the Israelites' journey in the wilderness.

Theological Overview

In Exodus 14:12, the Israelites express their fear and doubt as they face the Red Sea with the pursuing Egyptian army behind them. They question Moses' leadership and lament that it would have been better for them to remain enslaved in Egypt rather than face the possibility of dying in the wilderness. This verse highlights the Israelites' lack of faith and trust in God's plan for their deliverance. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of obedience, faith, and patience in God's timing. The Israelites' focus on their present circumstances blinded them to the miraculous ways in which God was working to rescue them. It serves as a reminder to us today that we must trust in God's plan even when it seems difficult or impossible. This word study sheds light on the Israelites' mindset of preferring slavery over uncertain freedom, revealing the deep-seated fear and lack of faith that plagued them in their wilderness journey.

Exodus 14:12 in other translations

American Standard Version

Is not this the word that we spake unto thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it were better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.

World English Bible

Isn’t this the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, ‘Leave us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians?’ For it were better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.”

Douay-Rheims

Is not this the word that we spoke to thee in Egypt, saying: Depart from us, that we may serve the Egyptians? for it was much better to serve them, than to die in the wilderness.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Did not wee tell thee this thing in Egypt, saying, Let vs be in rest, that we may serue the Egyptians? for it had bene better for vs to serue the Egyptians, then that wee shoulde dye in the wildernesse.