Albert Barnes Commentary Nehemiah 9:17

"and refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them, but hardened their neck, 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 abundant in lovingkindness, and forsookest them not." — Nehemiah 9:17 (ASV)

In their rebellion - The Septuagint and several manuscripts have “in Egypt” (the words in the original differing by one letter only), and translate - “And appointed a captain to return to their bondage in Egypt.” Compare the marginal reference. The appointment of a leader is regarded here as made, whereas we are only told in the Book of Numbers that it was proposed.