Exodus 5:19-23

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Exodus 5:20

And they met Moses and Aaron ,.... The officers of the children of Israel, who had been with their complaints to Pharaoh: who stood in the way as they came forth from Pharaoh ; they, had placed themselves in a proper situation, that they might meet them when they came out, and know what success they had, and which they were extremely desirous of hearing; by which they might judge in what temper Pharaoh was, and what they might for the future expect from him in consequence of their... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Exodus 5:21

And they said unto them, the Lord look upon you and judge ,.... Or, "will look upon you and judge" F17 ירא־וישפוט "videbit" "et judicabit", Rivet. ; and so it is either a prediction of what would be done to them, or an imprecation on them that God would take notice of their conduct, and punish them, or at least chastise them for acting the part they had, if not wickedly, yet imprudently: because you have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh ; or to "stink" F18 ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Exodus 5:22

And Moses returned unto the Lord ,.... Bishop Patrick thinks, that this not only intimates that the Lord had appeared to Moses since he came into Egypt, but that there was some settled place where he appeared, and where he might resort to him on all occasions, and therefore is said to return to him; though it may signify no more, than that, instead of staying to give an answer to the officers, which he might be at a loss to do, he went to God, to the throne of grace, by prayer, as he was... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Exodus 5:23

For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name ,.... Had he come in his own name, it needed not be wondered at if he should not succeed, but coming in the name of God, it might have been expected he would, and that Pharaoh would have been prevailed upon, or obliged to use the people well, and let them go; but instead of that: he hath done evil to this people ; afflicted and oppressed them more than ever: see Exodus 5:7 , &c.; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all ;... 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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 5:21

The Lord look upon you, and judge - These were hasty and unkind expressions; but the afflicted must be allowed the privilege of complaining; it is all the solace that such sorrow can find; and if in such distress words are spoken which should not be justified, yet the considerate and benevolent will hear them with indulgence. God is merciful; and the stroke of this people was heavier even than their groaning. Put a sword in their hand - Given them a pretense which they had not before, to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 5:22

And Moses returned unto the Lord - This may imply, either that there was a particular place into which Moses ordinarily went to commune with Jehovah; or it may mean that kind of turning of heart and affection to God, which every pious mind feels itself disposed to practice in any time or place. The old adage will apply here: "A praying heart never lacks a praying place." Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? - It is certain that in this address Moses uses great plainness... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 5:23

He hath done evil to this people - Their misery is increased instead of being diminished. Neither hast thou delivered thy people at all - The marginal reading is both literal and correct: And delivering thou hast not delivered. Thou hast begun the work by giving us counsels and a commission, but thou hast not brought the people from under their bondage. Thou hast signified thy pleasure relative to their deliverance, but thou hast not brought them out of the hands of their enemies. 1.... read more

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