It is right in all our distresses to return to the Lord. Provided we do not complain of God, we are commanded to complain to God. See Isaiah 37:14 . How different this from the conduct of Jeremiah. See Jeremiah 20:7-9 . Lord! what is man in his highest attainments? read more
Wherefore. These are not words of anger, but of earnest prayer. (St. Augustine, q. 14.) Moses does not attempt to satisfy the exasperated officers, but commits the whole to God. (Menochius) --- In great undertakings, there are commonly many difficulties; which ought not to discourage us. (Tirinus) read more
10-23 The Egyptian task-masters were very severe. See what need we have to pray that we may be delivered from wicked men. The head-workmen justly complained to Pharaoh: but he taunted them. The malice of Satan has often represented the service and worship of God, as fit employment only for those who have nothing else to do, and the business only of the idle; whereas, it is the duty of those who are most busy in the world. Those who are diligent in doing sacrifice to the Lord, will, before God,... read more
The Officers Reproach Moses and Aaron v. 20. And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way as they came forth from Pharaoh, anxious to hear the result of the meeting with the king. v. 21. And they said unto them, The Lord look upon you and judge, because ye have made our savor 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. It was a reproach of bitterness and despair: Ye have made us to stink, ye have brought us into ill... read more
D.—Moses and Aaron before Pharaoh. The seemingly mischievouas effect of their divine message, and the discouragment of the people and the messengers themselves. God reverses this effect nu solemnly promising deliverance, revealing his name Jehovah, summoning the heads of the tribes to unite with Moses and Aaron, raising Moses’ faith above Pharaoh’s defiance, and declaring the glorious object and issue of Pharaoh’s obduracyExodus 5:1 to Exodus 7:71And afterward Moses and Aaron went in [came] and... read more
Moses Appeals from Pharaoh to God Exodus 5:15-23 ; Exodus 6:1 God’s way is to bring men to an end of themselves before He arises to their help. Our efforts to deliver ourselves only end in increasing our perplexities. The tale of bricks is doubled; the burdens augment; the strength of our purpose is broken; we are brought to the edge of despair. Probably this was the darkest hour in the life of the great leader. But from all the obloquy that was heaped on him, he took refuge in God. There... read more
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... read more
The Controversy Between Pharaoh and God Exodus 5:1-23 INTRODUCTORY WORDS The concluding verses of chapter 4, which link our last message with this one, are most interesting. It would hardly do to pass these by altogether, and so we will discuss them under various headings as introductory to the study proper. 1, Leaving Jethro. After God had spoken to Moses, Moses went from the Mount of God, where God met him, and, returned to Jethro, his father-in-law, and said to him, "Let me go, I pray... read more
THE UNFAILING RESOURCE‘And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said,’ etc. Exodus 5:22 Some lessons are embedded in this story of perennial value. I. We are reminded of the difficulties encountered by those who engage in God’s service.—The forces against which we set ourselves in engaging in this service will not abandon the control which they have secured without a fierce struggle. They will be roused into fiercer and more determined activity to retain that control when it is to be threatened... read more
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James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Exodus 5:1-23
MOSES AND AARON IN EGYPT BEFORE ISRAEL (Exodus 4:29-31 ) What is the first step taken by Moses and Aaron on their return (Exodus 4:29 )? What “signs” are referred to in Exodus 4:30 (compare Exodus 4:1-9 )? How did the people receive their message (Exodus 4:31 )? What effect was produced on the people by God’s compassion? BEFORE PHARAOH (Exodus 5:1-23 ) How does Moses limit his demand (compare Exodus 5:1 with Exodus 3:18 )? Do you think it was necessary to tell Pharaoh the complete... read more