Exodus 5:19 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Exodus 5:15-23

It was a great strait that the head-workmen were in, when they must either abuse those that were under them or be abused by those that were over them; yet, it should seem, rather than they would tyrannize, they would be tyrannized over; and they were so. In this evil case (Exod. 5:19), observe, I. How justly they complained to Pharaoh: They came and cried unto Pharaoh, Exod. 5:15. Whither should they go with a remonstrance of their grievances but to the supreme power, which is ordained for the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Exodus 5:19

And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case ,.... In a bad condition and circumstances, and that there was no likelihood of their getting out of them, since Pharaoh treated them after this manner; they saw not only that the common people were in a bad condition, in great bondage, misery, and distress, to be obliged to get straw to make brick, and carry in their full tale as before; but that they themselves were in a bad situation, since for the deficiency... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 5:19

Did see that they were in evil case - They saw that they could neither expect justice nor mercy; that their deliverance was very doubtful, and their case almost hopeless. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 5:19

Verse 19 19.And the officers of the children of Israel did see. Some take the Hebrew word רע (70), rang, for “grief,” but refer it to the people; as though it were said, “the officers did see the people sorrowful, when they informed them of the command of the king.” But the simpler sense, in my opinion, will be, that they saw no remedy for their evil case, and that they could not be delivered from the cruel bondage in which they were. Some also explain it, that the officers themselves felt,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 5:1-21

Failure. " I know not Jehovah," etc.: Exodus 5:2 . We now come face to face with the king. As the king here becomes very prominent, we will keep him conspicuous in the outlining of this address. I. AUDIENCE WITH THE KING . This is a convenient moment for introducing Pharaoh as the terrestrial representative of the Sun, as the vicegerent of Deity upon earth. Does it seem wonderful that men should receive a man in this capacity? But millions of professed Christians in this... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 5:1-23

The people of Jehovah detained and oppressed by the representative of the prince of this world; no doubt as to the strength of the latter—is it possible for his spoils to be wrested from him? The strong man armed has thus far kept his palace ( Luke 11:21 ), and his goods (cf. Revelation 18:13 ) have been in peace, so far as outward disturbance is concerned. Now comes one who claims to be the stronger. What may be expected to. happen? I. THE CHALLENGE DELIVERED . 1 . The ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 5:15-19

Smarting under the sense of injustice, the Israelite officers "came and cried to Pharaoh" ( Exodus 5:15 ), supposing that he could not have intended such manifest unfairness and cruelty. They were conscious to themselves of having done their utmost, and of having failed simply because the thing required was impossible. Surely the king would understand this, if they pointed it out, and would either allow straw as before, or diminish the number of the bricks. But the king had no desire for... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 5:15-20

Unheeded expostulation. Pharaoh's treatment of the officers of the children of Israel, when they appeared before him to expostulate with him on his cruelty, betrays his consciousness of the injustice of his cause. I. AN UNJUST CAUSE BETRAYS ITSELF .— 1 . By refusal to listen to reason. The Hebrews had reason on their side, and Pharaoh had not. And because he had not, and knew it, he would not hear them, would not enter into any argument with them. This is the sure... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 5:19

The officers … did see that they were in evil case . See the "Introductory paragraph" to this section, and comp. Exodus 5:21 . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 5:19-21

Thoughtless smiters of a brother in adversity. This whole chapter particularly abounds in illustrations of human ignorance and error. We have seen in what dense darkness was the mind of Pharaoh; and under what utter misapprehensions he multiplied the sorrows of Israel. Now we are introduced to the leaders of Israel, treating Moses with equal injustice, because they are not able to see the difference between the human instrument and the Divine hand that holds it. No more than Pharaoh can... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Exodus 5:15-23

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Exodus 5:19

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 5:19

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 5:19

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 5:1-21

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 5:1-23

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 5:15-19

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 5:15-20

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 5:19

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 5:19-21

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