Bible Commentaries
Exodus 5

Verses 1-23

Here we have the last picture of the people in bondage. As we follow the history, we shall be particularly interested in noticing the process through which Pharaoh passed. Here Moses and Aaron came to him and uttered the simple requirement of Jehovah in the words, "Let My people go." The answer was immediate, daring, and stubborn. Pharaoh declared his ignorance of Jehovah and practically challenged Him as he bluntly said, "I will not let Israel go." His refusal was followed by brutality. He assumed the attitude of insolent ignorance.

As we read the story of the suffering of these people, we cannot wonder at their complaint. Everything surely seemed to be against them and as though the intervention of Moses was turning out for ill rather than good. The whole transaction constituted a trial for Moses in the pathway of faith and obedience. There is a touch of impatience and evidence of wavering faith in what he said in the presence of God. Yet the profounder truth is that there is a remarkable evidence of his faith in his going directly to God with his difficulty. Happy is the man who when he cannot understand the divine movement and, indeed, doubts it has yet faith enough in God Himself to tell Him all his doubt.