Acts 7:39

Would not obey. Literally, “were not willing to become obedient.” This rebellion by the children of Israel broke out one month after their deliverance at the Red Sea, and before they reached Sinai (Ex. 16:2, 3). While Moses was in the mount their discontent led to apostasy (Ex. 32:1), as outlined by Stephen in succeeding verses. By inference, he is presenting a parallel between the Israelites’ attitude toward Moses, and the Jews’ attitude toward Christ. The people of both eras were disobedient to their would-be redeemer. For obedience see on Acts 5:32.

In their hearts. They did not actually return, but longed for the so-called good things they had enjoyed in the country of their captivity (see on Ex. 16:3; cf. on Num. 11:4-6). So Lot’s wife looked back to Sodom and died (Gen. 19:26). The Lord condemns the man, who, having put his hand to the plow, looks back (Luke 9:62).

Turned back again. Or, simply, “turned.” The immediate reference of Stephen’s words is to the experiences recorded in Ex. 16:2, 3; 32:1-6, but there were many others (Ex. 17:1-3; Num. 11:1-5; 14:1-4; etc.).