The Captain of Salvation VS The Captain of Rebellion

Nehemiah 9:17 KJV

And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.

In this deep prayer of confession, Nehemiah professes the Jews in the wilderness had appointed a captain, a leader to help them return to Egypt. This is in contrast with that captain leading them to the Promised Land:

• The one was appointed by man; the other appointed by God
• The stayed with them; the other went to see God
• The one would lead them backward; the other would take them forward
• The one would deliver them to slavery and destruction; the other to liberty and life