Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.
Why should the Egyptians be able to say, 'He brought them out with evil intentions, to kill them in the mountains and wipe them off the face of the earth'? Turn away from your burning anger, and change your mind about bringing this disaster on your people.
Moses is pleading with God to reconsider His anger toward the Israelites, arguing that destroying them would give Egypt reason to mock God's character and intentions.
📚 Historical Context
In the historical context of the Exodus, the Israelites had recently fled slavery in Egypt and were encamped at Mount Sinai, where Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments from God. The people grew impatient and created a golden calf to worship, which provoked God's anger and led Him to threaten destruction. Moses interceded on their behalf, appealing to God's reputation among the Egyptians who might misinterpret His actions as malicious.
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