BSBKJVWEBYLTASVBBEWMBT4TDBY|HymnsMusicDonate
Menu
Home  › Bibles  › Berean Standard Bible  › Exodus 5

Exodus 5

BSB
‹ Chapter 4 Exodus — All Chapters Chapter 6 ›

1 After that, Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.’" 2 But Pharaoh replied, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go." 3 “The God of the Hebrews has met with us,” they answered. “Please let us go on a three-day journey into the wilderness to sacrifice to the LORD our God, or He may strike us with plagues or with the sword." 4 But the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why do you draw the people away from their work? Get back to your labor!" 5 Pharaoh also said, “Look, the people of the land are now numerous, and you would be stopping them from their labor." 6 That same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their foremen: 7 “You shall no longer supply the people with straw for making bricks. They must go and gather their own straw. 8 But require of them the same quota of bricks as before; do not reduce it. For they are lazy; that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ 9 Make the work harder on the men so they will be occupied and pay no attention to these lies." 10 So the taskmasters and foremen of the people went out and said to them, “This is what Pharaoh says: ‘I am no longer giving you straw. 11 Go and get your own straw wherever you can find it; but your workload will in no way be reduced.’" 12 So the people scattered all over the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw. 13 The taskmasters kept pressing them, saying, “Fulfill your quota each day, just as you did when straw was provided." 14 Then the Israelite foremen, whom Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over the people, were beaten and asked, “Why have you not fulfilled your quota of bricks yesterday or today, as you did before?" 15 So the Israelite foremen went and appealed to Pharaoh: “Why are you treating your servants this way? 16 No straw has been given to your servants, yet we are told, ‘Make bricks!’ Look, your servants are being beaten, but the fault is with your own people." 17 “You are slackers!” Pharaoh replied. “Slackers! That is why you keep saying, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD.’ 18 Now get to work. You will be given no straw, yet you must deliver the full quota of bricks." 19 The Israelite foremen realized they were in trouble when they were told, “You must not reduce your daily quota of bricks." 20 When they left Pharaoh, they confronted Moses and Aaron, who stood waiting to meet them. 21 “May the LORD look upon you and judge you,” the foremen said, “for you have made us a stench before Pharaoh and his officials; you have placed in their hand a sword to kill us!" 22 So Moses returned to the LORD and asked, “Lord, why have You brought trouble upon this people? Is this why You sent me? 23 Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and You have not delivered Your people in any way."

‹ Chapter 4 Exodus — All Chapters Chapter 6 ›

Study Notes — Exodus 5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with Moses and Aaron approaching Pharaoh to demand that he let the Israelites go, but Pharaoh refuses, citing that he does not know the Lord (Exodus 5:2). Pharaoh then increases the workload of the Israelites, making it harder for them to survive (Exodus 5:6-14). The Israelites cry out to Moses, who in turn cries out to God, feeling overwhelmed by the situation (Exodus 5:20-23). The chapter ends with God reassuring Moses that He will indeed deliver the Israelites and that Pharaoh's resistance is part of His plan (Exodus 5:22-23). Key events in the chapter, such as the increased workload for the Israelites (Exodus 5:6-14) and Moses' cry to God (Exodus 5:22-23), demonstrate the escalating conflict between God and Pharaoh.

Context for the Chapter

Exodus chapter 5 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, a story that spans several chapters. This chapter is crucial as it sets the stage for the plagues that God will send upon Egypt, demonstrating His power and sovereignty. The chapter also follows the initial instructions given to Moses in Exodus 3-4, where God commissions him to demand the release of the Israelites. Understanding the context of Exodus 5 within the book of Exodus and the larger biblical narrative is essential for grasping the significance of the chapter.

Heart Application

This chapter reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. It also highlights the danger of hardening our hearts against God's commands, leading to spiritual blindness and rebellion. As we read this chapter, we are encouraged to reflect on our own response to God's commands and to trust in His deliverance, just as Moses did in Exodus 5:22-23.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Exodus chapter 5 is about Moses asking Pharaoh to let the Israelites go, but Pharaoh says no and makes their lives harder. Moses feels overwhelmed but God reassures him that He will deliver the Israelites. This chapter shows how God is in control, even when things seem impossible, as seen in Exodus 5:1-5 and Exodus 5:22-23.

Voices from the Church

“The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a solemn warning to all who would resist the gracious calls of God. Let us beware lest we also hardened our hearts and missed the day of our visitation.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“Moses, though he seemed to have failed in his mission, did not lose faith in God's promise. This is a lesson to us all to trust in God's sovereignty, even when our circumstances seem bleak.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Moses' Initial Demand (Exodus 5:1-5) — Moses and Aaron approach Pharaoh with God's demand to let the Israelites go, but Pharaoh refuses, setting the stage for the rest of the chapter.
  2. Pharaoh's Refusal and Increased Oppression (Exodus 5:6-14) — Pharaoh's decision to increase the workload of the Israelites is a direct response to Moses' demand, demonstrating his defiance against God.
  3. The Israelites' Complaint to Moses (Exodus 5:15-21) — The Israelites' cry to Moses reflects their desperation and frustration with their situation, highlighting the human struggle with faith and doubt.
  4. Moses' Cry to God (Exodus 5:22-23) — Moses' prayer to God is a testament to his faith and trust in God's sovereignty, even in the face of adversity.
  5. God's Reassurance to Moses (Exodus 5:22-23) — God's response to Moses is a reassuring message of deliverance and redemption, highlighting God's character as a loving and sovereign God.

Core Doctrines

Sovereignty of God
This chapter teaches that God is in control of all events, including the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, as seen in Exodus 5:2. This doctrine is crucial for understanding God's character and His plan for humanity.
Hardness of Heart
The chapter illustrates how both Pharaoh and the Israelites experience a hardening of their hearts, leading to spiritual blindness and rebellion, as seen in Exodus 5:2 and Exodus 5:21. This doctrine serves as a warning to believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to respond to His commands with faith and obedience.
Faith and Doubt
Moses' and the Israelites' struggles with faith and doubt in the face of adversity serve as a lesson to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem bleak, as seen in Exodus 5:20-23. This doctrine is essential for believers to understand the importance of faith and trust in God's plan.
Deliverance and Redemption
The chapter points to God's ultimate plan of deliverance and redemption, not just for the Israelites but for all humanity through Christ, as seen in Exodus 5:1-5 and Exodus 5:22-23. This doctrine is central to the biblical narrative and serves as a reminder of God's love and sovereignty.

Lessons from Exodus 5

  1. Trust in God's Sovereignty — This chapter teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem impossible, as seen in Exodus 5:1-5 and Exodus 5:22-23.
  2. The Danger of Hardening Our Hearts — The hardening of Pharaoh's heart serves as a warning to us to respond to God's commands with faith and obedience, lest we suffer the same spiritual blindness and rebellion, as seen in Exodus 5:2 and Exodus 5:21.
  3. The Importance of Faith in Adversity — Moses' and the Israelites' struggles with faith and doubt teach us to trust in God's deliverance, even when faced with adversity, as seen in Exodus 5:20-23.
  4. God's Plan of Deliverance and Redemption — The chapter points to God's ultimate plan of deliverance and redemption, reminding us of His love and sovereignty, as seen in Exodus 5:1-5 and Exodus 5:22-23.
  5. The Role of Prayer in Times of Trouble — Moses' cry to God is an example of the importance of prayer in times of trouble, demonstrating the value of trusting in God's sovereignty and deliverance, as seen in Exodus 5:22-23.

Themes from Exodus 5

  1. Confrontation and Rebellion — The chapter highlights the confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh, symbolizing the eternal conflict between good and evil, as seen in Exodus 5:1-5.
  2. Hardness of Heart — The hardening of Pharaoh's heart and the Israelites' complaint reflect the human heart's capacity for rebellion and spiritual blindness, as seen in Exodus 5:2 and Exodus 5:21.
  3. Faith and Trust — Moses' trust in God's sovereignty and the Israelites' struggle with faith teach us the importance of trusting in God's deliverance, even in adversity, as seen in Exodus 5:20-23.
  4. Deliverance and Redemption — The chapter points to God's ultimate plan of deliverance and redemption, a theme that is central to the biblical narrative, as seen in Exodus 5:1-5 and Exodus 5:22-23.
  5. God's Sovereignty — The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty over all events, including the hardening of Pharaoh's heart and the deliverance of the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 5:2 and Exodus 5:22-23.

Questions for Meditation

  1. How does Pharaoh's response to Moses reflect his understanding of God's sovereignty?
  2. What does the hardening of Pharaoh's heart teach us about the human heart's capacity for rebellion against God?
  3. How does Moses' cry to God reflect his faith and trust in God's deliverance?
  4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' complaint to Moses about their situation?
  5. How does God's reassurance to Moses encourage us to trust in His sovereignty in our own lives?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Moses' Initial Demand (Exodus 5:1-5)

5:1 Moses and Aaron approach Pharaoh with God's demand to let the Israelites go, as seen in Exodus 5:1.
5:2 Pharaoh refuses, citing that he does not know the Lord, as seen in Exodus 5:2.

2. Pharaoh's Refusal and Increased Oppression (Exodus 5:6-14)

5:6 Pharaoh orders the Israelites to make bricks without straw, increasing their workload, as seen in Exodus 5:6-7.
5:9 The Israelites are forced to work harder, but they are unable to meet their quotas, as seen in Exodus 5:9.

3. The Israelites' Complaint to Moses (Exodus 5:15-21)

5:15 The Israelites cry out to Moses, complaining about their situation, as seen in Exodus 5:15.
5:20 Moses feels overwhelmed and cries out to God, as seen in Exodus 5:20-21.

4. Moses' Cry to God (Exodus 5:22-23)

5:22 Moses questions God about why He has sent him to Pharaoh, as seen in Exodus 5:22.
5:23 God reassures Moses that He will deliver the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 5:23.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Pharaoh refuse to let the Israelites go?

Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites go because he did not know the Lord and did not want to obey His commands, as seen in Exodus 5:2. This refusal reflects Pharaoh's hardening of heart and his defiance against God's sovereignty.

What does the hardening of Pharaoh's heart mean?

The hardening of Pharaoh's heart means that he became increasingly stubborn and rebellious against God's commands, leading to spiritual blindness and further rebellion, as seen in Exodus 5:2 and Exodus 5:21. This hardening of heart serves as a warning to believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to respond to His commands with faith and obedience.

How does this chapter relate to the rest of the Bible?

This chapter is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, which points to God's ultimate plan of deliverance and redemption through Christ, as seen in Exodus 5:1-5 and Exodus 5:22-23. The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty over all events, including the hardening of Pharaoh's heart and the deliverance of the Israelites.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Exodus 5:1 → Genesis 15:13-14 The demand to let the Israelites go is rooted in God's promise to Abraham, as seen in Genesis 15:13-14.
2 Exodus 5:2 → Romans 9:17 The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a theme that is later discussed in Romans 9:17, highlighting God's sovereignty over human hearts.
3 Exodus 5:6 → Exodus 1:14 The increased workload of the Israelites is a continuation of their oppression, which began in Exodus 1:14.
4 Exodus 5:9 → Proverbs 27:3 The idea of making the work heavier is reflected in Proverbs 27:3, which talks about the weight of oppression.
5 Exodus 5:15 → Psalm 107:10-12 The Israelites' cry to Moses is similar to the psalmist's cry in Psalm 107:10-12, which talks about being in darkness and bondage.
6 Exodus 5:20 → Psalm 42:1-2 Moses' cry to God is similar to the psalmist's cry in Psalm 42:1-2, which talks about feeling overwhelmed and crying out to God.
7 Exodus 5:22 → Deuteronomy 32:36 God's reassurance to Moses is reflected in Deuteronomy 32:36, which talks about God's compassion and redemption.
8 Exodus 5:23 → John 8:31-32 The theme of deliverance and redemption is central to the biblical narrative, as seen in John 8:31-32, which talks about being set free from bondage to sin.
9 Exodus 5:1 → Hebrews 11:27 Moses' faith in God's sovereignty is highlighted in Hebrews 11:27, which talks about Moses' trust in God's power.
10 Exodus 5:2 → Acts 7:10 The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is referenced in Acts 7:10, which talks about God's sovereignty over human hearts.

Sermons on Exodus 5

SermonDescription
Carter Conlon Who Are the Meek and What Do They Inherit by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges faced by Moses when he was sent by God to deliver the Israelites from the grip of Pharaoh. Despite coming with a message of fre
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 5:1-23 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the increasing difficulty faced by the Israelites in their servitude to Pharaoh. The officers of the Israelites cry out to Pharaoh, complainin
G.W. North Foretaste of Hell by G.W. North In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Moses and his reluctance to fulfill God's call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The preacher emphasizes how Moses initially
Brian Brodersen Exodus 5-8 by Brian Brodersen This sermon delves into the story of Moses and Aaron confronting Pharaoh in Egypt, showcasing God's power through various plagues directed at the Egyptian gods. Despite the miracul
Don Courville Desert Survival Series Pt 17- Moses the Servant of God by Don Courville In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the Israelites being freed from the bondage of Egypt and their journey to the land of Canaan. He highlights that while God deliv
John Hunter Moses - the Great Leader by John Hunter In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of solitude and retreat in the presence of God. He emphasizes that in order to truly serve God and fulfill one's purpose, it is
Stephen Kaung Service by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of service and how it should be viewed as more than just religious work. Service is seen as imparting the life of Christ to o
Ian Murray The Holiness of God by Ian Murray In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the Israelites' escape from Egypt and their journey to the Red Sea. He emphasizes that just as God delivered the Israelites from
Peter Maiden The Leader and the Cost by Peter Maiden In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges and hardships faced by Christian leaders, using the examples of Moses and Paul. He emphasizes that occasional exhaustion and fe
K.P. Yohannan The Life of Christ by K.P. Yohannan In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of obeying Jesus Christ as our king, even though it may invite opposition from the ruler of this world. The sermon emphasizes

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 5

In this chapter, we see the confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh, with Pharaoh refusing to let the Israelites go and instead increasing their workload. This refusal reflects Pharaoh's hardening of heart and his defiance against God's sovereignty. The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over all events, including the hardening of Pharaoh's heart and the deliverance of the Israelites. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord is known by the judgments which he executeth.' This chapter reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, even when faced with adversity, and the danger of hardening our hearts against His commands. The ultimate deliverance of the Israelites points to God's plan of redemption, which is fulfilled in Christ. As we reflect on this chapter, we are encouraged to trust in God's deliverance and to respond to His commands with faith and obedience, lest we suffer the same spiritual blindness and rebellion as Pharaoh. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Pattern of Confrontation

The chapter follows a pattern of confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh, with each side refusing to budge, as seen in Exodus 5:1-5 and Exodus 5:6-14. This pattern is significant because it highlights the escalating conflict between God and Pharaoh.

The Hardening of Hearts

Both Pharaoh and the Israelites experience a hardening of their hearts, though in different ways, as seen in Exodus 5:2 and Exodus 5:21. This hardening of hearts is a crucial theme in the chapter, as it demonstrates the human response to God's commands.

The Role of Complaint

The Israelites' complaint to Moses and Moses' complaint to God highlight the human struggle with faith and doubt in the face of adversity, as seen in Exodus 5:20-23. This struggle is relatable to the human experience and provides insight into the importance of faith and trust in God.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate