Exodus 5:20 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 5:20

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 Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 5:20

Verse 20 20.And they met Moses. Some translate it, (71) “they met together with Moses,” taking the particle את, eth, for “together with;” but it is more in accordance with the context that the officers and some part of the elders or people encountered Moses and Aaron as they returned from Pharaoh. An accidental meeting is indicated, from whence it arose that their minds were still more exasperated against the Lord’s servants. That blind grief is here described which, with a fury akin to... 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 5:15-20

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 5:19-21

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 5:20

Who stood in the way . Rather, "who waited to meet them." It was not accident, but design, that had brought the two brothers to the spot. They were as anxious as the officers to know what course Pharaoh would take—whether he would relax the burthens of the people or no—whether he would have compassion or the contrary. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 5:20-21

On quitting the presence of Pharaoh, the officers of the Israelites, burning with the sense of the injustice done them, and deeply apprehensive with respect to their own future, found Moses and Aaron waiting in the precincts of the court to know the result of their application. It need cause no surprise that they poured out their pent-up indignation upon them. Were not Moses and Aaron the sole cause of the existing state of things? Did not the extreme affliction of the people, did not... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 5:20-23

Murmuring and faith. The Israelites were naturally sorely disappointed at the issue of the interview with Pharaoh; and with the unreasonableness so often seen in those whose expectations have received a check, they turned on Moses and Aaron, and accused these innocent men of being the authors of their misfortune. Moses and Aaron themselves were almost as dumbfounded as their accusers at the turn events had taken; but one of them, at least, behaved with wisdom. The Israelites accused men:... read more

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

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

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 5:20

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 5:1-21

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 5:1-23

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 5:15-20

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 5:19-21

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 5:20

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 5:20-21

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 5:20-23

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