Not Really

After the Israelites left Egypt victoriously, they had many moments when they said or did things that were indicative of their lack of trust in God's power and glory. One such occasion is recorded in Exodus 14:10-12 [MSG]...

As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up and saw them--Egyptians! Coming at them! They were totally afraid. They cried out in terror to God. They told Moses, "Weren't the cemeteries large enough in Egypt so that you had to take us out here in the wilderness to die? What have you done to us, taking us out of Egypt? Back in Egypt didn't we tell you this would happen? Didn't we tell you, 'Leave us alone here in Egypt--we're better off as slaves in Egypt than as corpses in the wilderness.'"

wow! What short memories those people had. They had just witnessed the Ten Plagues as displays of God's control and authority. They had ransacked Egypt and left in a party spirit with riches beyond their imaginations. After 440 years of slavery and oppression they were finally headed to that promised home, a land that legend reminded them was flowing with milk and honey.

Better off as slaves in Egypt than as corpses in the wilderness? Not really! In today's vernacular the sarcastic answer might be, "Are you kidding me?"