And Moses returned unto the Lord— This either implies, that there was some particular place, where the Lord condescended to meet with, and reveal himself to Moses; or else we must understand the words in the sense which the LXX give them; he turned to the Lord, επεστρεψε προς κυριον; he addressed himself to God in prayer. Houbigant renders it, then Moses, turning to the Lord, said thus unto him.
REFLECTIONS. We have here,
1. The people's displeasure at Moses and Aaron. How unjust and ill-timed? Are they who put their lives in their hands to save them, to be reproached as destroyers? The best actions will, if not immediately successful, expose us often to the censures of those whom we meant to serve.
2. Moses's application to God. He presented a remonstrance to Pharaoh in vain; but he shall not do so with God. He expostulates, complains, and begs help in this needful time of trouble. Note; (1.) Our sufferings may increase, when God is working most for our deliverance. (2.) It is a heavy grief to ministers, to see their labours of love, instead of being successful, exasperating the enmity, and stirring up the corruptions of their hearers. (3.) The way to be eased, is to go and complain to our God.