Numbers 14:4

“And they said one to another, let us make a captain, etc.] An head over them instead of Moses, who they knew would never take the government and care of them, should they resolve to return to Egypt as they proposed, and besides were now so disaffected to him, that they might not care he should. Captains they had over their several tribes, but they chose to have one chief commander and general over them all; Nehemiah says they did appoint one; which they either actually did, or this proposal was interpreted as if really put in execution, they being so desirous of it, and bent upon it; wherefore their will is taken for the deed, and so understood; (see <160917>Nehemiah 9:17); and let us return…”

“A captain - Instead of Moses, one who will be more faithful to our interest than he. Into Egypt - Stupendous madness! Whence should they have protection against the hazards, and provision against all the wants of the wilderness? Could they expect either God's cloud to cover and guide them, or Manna from heaven to feed them? Who could conduct them over the Red - sea? Or, if they went another way, who should defend them against those nations whose borders they were to pass? What entertainment could they expect from the Egyptians, whom they had deserted and brought to so much ruin? Numbers 14:5”

“Deu 17:16, Deu 28:68; Neh 9:16, Neh 9:17; Luk 17:32; Act 7:39; Heb 10:38, Heb 10:39, Heb 11:15; Pe2 2:21, Pe2 2:22 Numbers 14:5”