Let My People Go: Understanding Pharaoh’s Rebellion in Exodus 5

✨ Executive Summary

Exodus 5 recounts the pivotal first encounter between Moses and Pharaoh, a dramatic confrontation that sets the stage for the plagues and the eventual Exodus. The focus key phrase, “Let My People Go,” encapsulates the core demand: that Pharaoh release the Israelites from their oppressive bondage so they can worship the Lord. This chapter exposes Pharaoh’s obduracy, his disdain for the God of Israel, and his immediate reaction of intensifying the Israelites’ workload. This reveals not just his political power but also a profound spiritual darkness. We see how earthly authority clashes with divine mandate, and the initial failure underscores the magnitude of the task ahead for Moses. This chapter reminds us that obedience to God often requires confronting powerful opposition, and that faith requires unwavering resolve in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Exodus 5 presents a stark and challenging narrative, laying the foundation for the unfolding drama of the Exodus. It demonstrates the nature of Pharaoh’s heart, the strength of the Lord’s promise to His people, and the beginning of the struggle for freedom. This chapter is foundational to understanding the entire Exodus narrative.

📖 Commentary: Exodus 5 Verse by Verse

Exodus 5:1

KJV: And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.

NKJV: Afterward Moses and Aaron went in and told Pharaoh, “Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘Let My people go, that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.’”

Moses and Aaron, acting on divine authority, boldly enter Pharaoh’s court. The phrase “Thus saith the LORD God of Israel” is not merely a statement but a declaration of divine sovereignty. This is not a request; it’s a command rooted in the Lord’s supreme power. The request to hold a feast in the wilderness isn’t simply for leisure; it’s for worship, a fundamental right denied to them. The wilderness location is significant, symbolizing a separation from the idols of Egypt and a dedication to the one true God. We are called to boldly declare our faith, even when facing powerful opposition, remembering that our authority comes from God alone.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius, in his *Contra Gentes* (*Κατὰ Ἐθνῶν*), writes about the futility of idols compared to the true God, saying that Pharaoh’s reliance on such false gods would lead to his downfall. We offer affordable shared hosting. The true God requires true worship.

Exodus 5:2

KJV: And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.

NKJV: And Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, nor will I let Israel go.”

Pharaoh’s arrogant response reveals his utter rejection of the God of Israel. “Who is the LORD?” is not a genuine inquiry, but a rhetorical dismissal of a God he deems insignificant. His declaration, “I do not know the LORD, nor will I let Israel go,” embodies his defiance and demonstrates his spiritual blindness. This verse highlights the clash between earthly power and divine authority. Pharaoh’s refusal to acknowledge God leads to hardened heart. In our own lives, are we open to recognizing and submitting to the Lord’s authority, or do we, like Pharaoh, allow pride to blind us?

Exodus 5:3

KJV: And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days’ journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword.

NKJV: So they said, “The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Please let us go three days’ journey into the desert, and sacrifice to the LORD our God, lest He fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword.”

Moses and Aaron temper their demand with a plea, appealing to Pharaoh’s self-interest. They explain that the God of the Hebrews has commanded them to sacrifice, and failing to comply could result in divine punishment (“lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword”). This is not a threat but a warning rooted in the potential consequences of disobedience to God. The request for a three-day journey reflects the time needed for purification and proper worship. It serves as a reminder to us that obedience is not just a matter of personal piety but also a safeguard against divine judgment. How does our obedience or disobedience affect those around us?

Exodus 5:4-5

KJV: And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens. And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens.

NKJV: Then the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why do you take the people from their work? Get back to your labor.” And Pharaoh said, “Look, the people of the land are many now, and you make them rest from their labor!”

Pharaoh accuses Moses and Aaron of disrupting the workforce. He prioritizes economic productivity over the Israelites’ spiritual needs, highlighting his materialistic worldview. He sees their desire to worship as laziness and a threat to the established order. His response exposes his own selfishness and disregard for human dignity. This shows a complete lack of empathy for the suffering of the Israelites. We are challenged to examine our own priorities: Do we prioritize material gain and earthly success over our spiritual obligations and the needs of others?

Exodus 5:6-9: Increasing the Burden

KJV: And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying, Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves. And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God. Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.

NKJV: So Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people and their officers, saying, “You shall no longer give the people straw to make brick as before. Let them go and gather straw for themselves. And you shall lay on them the quota of bricks which they made before. You shall not reduce it. For they are idle; therefore they cry out, saying, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ Let more work be laid on the men, that they may labor in it, and let them not pay attention to lying words.”

Pharaoh, in response to Moses and Aaron, intensifies the Israelites’ oppression. He removes the provision of straw, forcing them to gather it themselves while maintaining the same production quota for bricks. This is a deliberate act of cruelty designed to break their spirit and distract them from their desire to worship God. The increased workload serves as a form of punishment and control. We see how oppression often escalates when those in power feel threatened. This act reflects a profound spiritual attack on the Israelites’ faith. When we face increased hardship, do we allow it to draw us closer to God or further away?

Archaeological Context: Excavations in Egypt have revealed the methods of brick-making used during this period, including the use of straw as a binding agent. The absence of straw would significantly increase the difficulty of the work. This gives us a fuller understanding of the burden placed upon the Israelites.

Exodus 5:10-14

KJV: And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw. Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished. So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw. And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore?

NKJV: And the taskmasters of the people and their officers went out and spoke to the people, saying, “Thus says Pharaoh: ‘I will not give you straw. Go, get yourselves straw where you can find it; yet none of your work will be reduced.’” So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. And the taskmasters forced them, saying, “Fulfill your work, your daily quota, as when there was straw.” Also the officers of the children of Israel, whom Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, saying, “Why have you not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and today, as before?”

The Egyptian taskmasters relay Pharaoh’s cruel decree, forcing the Israelites to scavenge for straw while maintaining the impossible brick quota. The Israelite officers, appointed by the Egyptians to oversee their own people, are beaten when the quotas are not met. This highlights the internal conflict and suffering within the Israelite community. The officers, caught between the demands of the Egyptians and the limitations of their people, become victims of the system. This situation tests their faith and their leadership. When we are placed in positions of authority, do we use our power to serve others or to oppress them?

Exodus 5:15-19

KJV: Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants? There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault is in thine own people. But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the LORD. Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks. And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task.

NKJV: Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried out to Pharaoh, saying, “Why do you deal thus with your servants? There is no straw given to your servants, and they say to us, ‘Make bricks!’ And indeed your servants are beaten, but the fault is in your own people.” But he said, “You are idle, idle! Therefore you say, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD.’ Go now, work; for no straw shall be given you, yet you shall deliver the quota of bricks.” And the officers of the children of Israel saw that they were in trouble after it was said, “You shall not diminish any bricks from your daily quota.”

The Israelite officers, desperate for relief, appeal to Pharaoh directly, highlighting the injustice of the situation. They point out that the fault lies with the Egyptian taskmasters, not with them. However, Pharaoh dismisses their plea, accusing them of laziness and reiterating his demand for the same brick quota without straw. This demonstrates Pharaoh’s unyielding cruelty and his complete disregard for the suffering of the Israelites. The officers’ failure to gain relief underscores the futility of appealing to unjust rulers. Where do we place our hope and trust when faced with injustice?

Exodus 5:20-23

KJV: And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh: And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us. And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.

NKJV: Then, as they came out from Pharaoh, they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way to meet them. And they said to them, “Let the LORD look on you and judge, because you have made us abhorrent in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to kill us.” So Moses returned to the LORD and said, “Lord, why have You brought trouble on this people? Why is it You have sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done evil to this people; neither have You delivered Your people at all.”

The Israelite officers, embittered by Pharaoh’s response, confront Moses and Aaron, blaming them for the worsened situation. They accuse them of making them “abhorred” in the eyes of Pharaoh and his servants, essentially putting a “sword” in their hand. This is a moment of deep disappointment and disillusionment. Moses, in turn, expresses his own frustration and confusion to the Lord, questioning why He has allowed the situation to worsen and why He sent him if it would only lead to more suffering. This is an honest and raw expression of doubt and pain. It is a reminder that even those who are called by God can experience moments of doubt and discouragement. It’s alright to question, but crucial to return to faith. How do we handle our disappointment when our efforts to serve God seem to backfire?

Patristic Insight: St. Gregory of Nyssa, in his *Life of Moses* (*Περὶ τοῦ βίου Μωυσέως*), discusses Moses’ journey from initial doubt to unwavering faith, emphasizing that even the greatest leaders face moments of questioning. This reminds us that faith is not the absence of doubt, but the overcoming of doubt through trust in God.

💡 Key Reflections and Teachings

Consider these points reflecting the key lessons from Exodus 5:

• The Nature of Oppression: Pharaoh’s actions reveal the nature of oppressive regimes, which prioritize power and control over human dignity.
• The Importance of Divine Authority: Moses and Aaron’s boldness stemmed from their understanding of divine authority, a reminder that obedience to God often requires confronting earthly power.
• The Cost of Disobedience: Pharaoh’s refusal to acknowledge God led to his own downfall and the suffering of his people, illustrating the consequences of rejecting divine authority.
• The Reality of Suffering: The Israelites’ increased burden reminds us that obedience to God does not always lead to immediate relief from suffering; sometimes it intensifies before deliverance comes.
• The Power of Faith: Even in moments of doubt and discouragement, Moses ultimately turned back to God, demonstrating the importance of unwavering faith in the face of adversity.
• The Ongoing Struggle: The conflict between Pharaoh and Moses foreshadows the ongoing struggle between good and evil, between those who seek to oppress and those who seek to liberate.

❓ FAQ

Here are some common questions about Exodus 5:

Q: Why did God allow the Israelites’ suffering to increase after Moses and Aaron’s first request?
A: God often allows trials and tribulations to test our faith and to prepare us for greater blessings. The increased suffering served to highlight the depth of Pharaoh’s wickedness and the magnitude of God’s power when He ultimately delivered His people. This parallels the trials we face in our own lives, which often precede spiritual growth and breakthrough.

Q: What does Pharaoh’s question, “Who is the LORD?” reveal about his character?
A: Pharaoh’s question is not a genuine inquiry but a rhetorical dismissal of the God of Israel. It reveals his arrogance, spiritual blindness, and his refusal to acknowledge any authority higher than his own. This is a reflection of pride, which blinds us to the truth and prevents us from submitting to God’s will.

Q: How can we apply the lessons of Exodus 5 to our own lives today?
A: We can learn from Exodus 5 to stand firm in our faith, even when facing opposition. We can also recognize the importance of obedience to God, even when it requires sacrifice. Finally, we can be reminded that God’s timing is not always our timing, and that He often uses trials and tribulations to prepare us for greater blessings.

Q: What is the significance of the straw in the brick-making process?
A: Straw acted as a binding agent, holding the clay together to create stronger bricks. By removing the straw, Pharaoh made the Israelites’ work significantly harder, thereby increasing their suffering. This symbolizes the extra burdens placed on people when their basic needs are withheld.

🕊️ Conclusion

Exodus 5, particularly the demand to “Let My People Go,” serves as a timeless reminder of the struggle between oppression and liberation, between earthly power and divine authority. Pharaoh’s initial defiance and the subsequent increase in the Israelites’ burden underscore the depth of human resistance to God’s will. This chapter teaches us that following God’s call often involves facing powerful opposition and enduring trials that test our faith. Just as Moses was initially discouraged by the worsened conditions, we too may experience doubts and frustrations when serving God. However, the ultimate lesson is that God’s promises are unwavering, and that He will ultimately deliver His people from bondage. May we be steadfast in our faith, trusting in God’s plan, even when the path ahead seems dark and uncertain. The key is to “Let My People Go” from the bondage of sin in our own lives, seeking freedom in Christ alone.

Tags

Exodus, Moses, Pharaoh, Oppression, Deliverance, Faith, God, Israel, Slavery, Bible

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Exodus 5: Discover Pharaoh’s defiant response to “Let My People Go.” Uncover the lessons about faith, oppression, and God’s unwavering promise of deliverance.