Afterward Moses and Aaron went and said to Pharaoh, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.’” But Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and moreover, I will not let Israel go.” (5:1-2)
Note that in English translations God’s name is replaced with Lord, however, it is actually not the word “Lord” that is there in the original Hebrew, but God’s actual name as He tells it to Moses, “I Am Who I Am”, or perhaps “I Am.” His name was used in this interchange, something like, “Thus says ‘I Am,’ the God of Israel…” (5:1) and Pharaoh replying, “Who is ‘I Am’ that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know ‘I Am’, and moreover I will not let Israel go” (5:2). From now on, when “the Lord” (God’s actual name) is used in the English, I am going to use “HaShem” which is Hebrew for “the Name,” to remind us that it is not “the Lord” in those instances, but the name of God. HaShem is commonly used by Jewish people in this way.
Up until now, things were going well – Moses and Aaron spoke to the elders and performed the signs, and the elders responded by worshipping the Lord.
Pharaoh, however, did not respond well. God had told Moses that Pharaoh would respond this way, in fact God, Himself, said that he would harden Pharaoh’s heart. (4:21)
But Pharaoh didn’t simply say “no.” He made the people of Israel work even harder. Previously they had been given straw and had to make a quota of bricks per day. Now Pharaoh said that they had to gather their own straw and still make the same number of bricks. When they couldn’t do this impossible task, they were beaten, and when the Israeli foremen complained to Pharaoh, he said that they were idle and that is why they were asking to go and sacrifice to HaShem.
Instead of things getting better, or even staying the same, they got worse. So, the Israeli foremen told Moses and Aaron, “HaShem look on you and judge, because you have made us stink in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants and have put a sword in their hand to kill us” (5:21).
Then Moses turned to HaShem and said, “O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all” (5:22-23).
Although it doesn’t feel like it, everything is going according to plan. God’s plan. Moses had the advantage of being told ahead of time that Pharaoh wouldn’t let the people go. But as mentioned, it was even worse than that: Pharaoh put a greater burden on the people.
Our most difficult circumstances are not a sign that God is not at work. He is always at work. He doesn’t sleep. He doesn’t forget about us. Are you or a loved one sick? God knows. Are you struggling to make ends meet? God knows. Are you trying to sell a house that isn’t selling? Are you struggling with a work situation? With a relationship? In your marriage? God knows. Whatever difficult thing that you or I might be going through, the best way to handle it is to follow Moses’ example in this passage. He turned to God and poured out His heart. We will see God’s response in the next chapter.
Prayer: Almighty, All-knowing, All-powerful God, you are at work always! Please help me to turn to You for wisdom, for direction, for comfort, for everything I need in every situation. (If there is a specific situation you need God’s wisdom and direction for, ask Him.)
