Numbers 14:4 NLT
“Then they plotted among themselves, ‘Let’s choose a new leader and go back to Egypt!’”
This verse reveals something fascinating. Even as the Israelites grumbled and expressed a desire to return to Egypt, they recognised the need for leadership. They knew they couldn’t simply walk back on their own—they needed someone to lead them.
Now, imagine the kind of leader they would have chosen to take them back to Egypt, and let’s compare that to Moses.
Moses was divinely appointed by God, prepared for his task through 40 years of wilderness training. He was passionate about the Israelites’ deliverance even as a young man, as seen when he defended an Israelite against an Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-12). Raised in Pharaoh’s palace, Moses experienced privilege, education, and leadership from the perspective of royalty. He had never been a slave, which gave him the freedom to think and lead with vision rather than the constraints of oppression.
In contrast, the leader the Israelites would have chosen to take them back to Egypt would have been shaped by a life of slavery. His entire mindset would have been formed by the oppression of the Egyptian slave masters. He wouldn’t have been the right person to lead them out of bondage but would have been perfectly suited to lead them back into it.
Psychologically, this leader would have grown up admiring the slave masters. As a child, he might have seen their position as desirable because it seemed easier and more powerful than the life of a slave. Over time, this perspective would have shaped his mentality. If given leadership, he would have led the Israelites using the very methods of control, oppression, and exploitation he had seen and experienced.
This leader’s mentality would have been imposed on him by his oppressors, and he would have perpetuated it, perhaps even worsening it. A slave leading other slaves creates a catastrophic situation because he can only lead within the limitations of his own bondage. As Ecclesiastes 10:16 warns:
“Woe to the land when a servant becomes king.” (NIV)
The Israelites’ hypothetical leader would have been appointed by slaves, prepared by oppressors, and chosen out of fear and familiarity rather than divine purpose. His leadership would have been driven by bitterness, anger, and the flawed understanding of power he had internalised. He could never have led them to freedom—only back into deeper bondage.
Moses, on the other hand, was divinely called, equipped, and trained. He didn’t lead with bitterness or the oppressive methods of Egypt. Instead, he sought to deliver God’s people, pointing them toward the Promised Land under God’s guidance.
As Daniel 2:22 says:
“He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light.” (NLT)
This verse reminds us that all revelation comes from God. While this reflection focuses on the Israelites and their leadership challenges, the message is not about any specific nation or situation. Anyone can interpret it as they feel led because God’s Word is alive and active, and all understanding comes from Him.
Ultimately, this passage challenges us to carefully consider who we follow and to seek godly leadership in every area of life. Leadership matters—whether in spiritual, societal, or personal contexts—and the wrong choice can lead us into bondage rather than freedom.
May the Lord bless you all as you meditate on His Word. Have a beautiful day. 🖤