John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 5:1-23
Increase of the Oppression1. Pharaoh] probably P. Merenptah. See on Exodus 1:8. His court may have been at Zoan or Tanis during the events that ensued: cp. Psalms 78:12, Psalms 78:43; The Lord God of Israel] Heb. ’Jehovah the God of Israel’: see on Exodus 3:13, Exodus 3:18. Similarly in the next v. Pharaoh says, ’Who is Jehovah?.. I know not Jehovah.’ Jehovah not being known and worshipped in Egypt, Pharaoh does not acknowledge His right to command him. 3. See on Exodus 3:18. 4. Let the people]... read more
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Exodus 5:1-9
At Moses and Aaron’s first audience with Pharaoh they simply presented God’s command (Exodus 5:1). [Note: For an introduction to Liberation Theology, see Wolf, pp. 130-31.] They did not perform miracles but asked for permission to leave Egypt.The Israelites could have worshipped the gods of Egypt in the land, but they had to leave Egypt to worship a non-Egyptian God. Moses’ request was a request to exercise a basic human right, namely, freedom of worship."Exodus 5:1-5 introduces another aspect... read more