Bible Chapter Summary
Exodus 5 Summary
Pharaoh Refuses and Increases Israel's Burden
Moses and Aaron appear before Pharaoh and deliver the LORD's command to release Israel so that the people may hold a feast to Him in the wilderness, but Pharaoh dismisses the LORD entirely and refuses to let Israel go. In retaliation, Pharaoh orders that the Israelites must now gather their own straw while maintaining the same daily quota of bricks, causing the people to be scattered throughout Egypt in a desperate search for stubble. When the Israelite officers are beaten for failing to meet the quota and appeal to Pharaoh, he only reaffirms his harsh decree, accusing the people of idleness. The officers then blame Moses and Aaron for worsening their plight, and a distressed Moses turns to the LORD, lamenting that his mission has brought greater suffering upon Israel rather than deliverance.
Key themes
Key verses
Exodus 5:1
“And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.”
Exodus 5:2
“And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.”
Exodus 5:7
“Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves.”
Exodus 5:22
“And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me?”
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