What is the meaning of Exodus 5:1? After that – The phrase looks back to Exodus 4:29-31, where Moses and Aaron gathered Israel’s elders, shared God’s words, and saw the people bow in worship. – Now, without delay, they move from the worshiping community straight to the court of the world’s most powerful ruler. Obedience follows immediately on revelation (cf. James 1:22). – The timing reminds us that God sets the agenda; His plan is already unfolding exactly as He promised in Exodus 3:18. Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said – Two ordinary men step into Pharaoh’s palace, yet they come as God’s authorized spokesmen (Exodus 6:13). – Their unity matters; Jesus later sent disciples out “two by two” (Mark 6:7), underscoring shared courage and accountability. – Approach is direct, not evasive—faith replaces fear (Hebrews 11:27). When God sends, human intimidation loses its grip. “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says” – The opening formula establishes absolute authority. This is not negotiation; it is divine decree. – “LORD” (YHWH) ties back to “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14), the self-existent, covenant-keeping God. – “God of Israel” links the promise to Abraham (Genesis 17:7-8) with the present demand. The covenant people belong to Him, not to Egypt. – Later prophets use the same pattern—“Thus says the LORD” (e.g., Isaiah 45:1)—affirming Scripture’s consistent voice. “Let My people go” – Three words in English, but a thunderclap in Pharaoh’s throne room. Slaves are declared “My people,” highlighting ownership and affection (Exodus 6:7). – Redemption is both release and transfer: from Pharaoh’s bondage to God’s service (Colossians 1:13). – The command anticipates the ultimate liberation found in Christ, who proclaims “freedom for the captives” (Luke 4:18). – Refusal will bring escalating judgments (Exodus 7–12), proving that God’s word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11). “so that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.” – Freedom has purpose: worship. God delivers in order to draw near (Exodus 3:12). – A “feast” signals celebration, sacrifice, and fellowship—early echoes of Passover (Exodus 12) and, ultimately, the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:26). – “In the wilderness” shows God meets His people wherever He leads; place matters less than presence (John 4:23-24). – Israel’s first act outside Egypt will be corporate adoration, modeling the call for believers today to use liberty for praise (1 Peter 2:9). summary Exodus 5:1 records God’s opening salvo in the conflict between heaven’s King and earth’s tyrant. Moses and Aaron, freshly obedient, confront Pharaoh with a non-negotiable command grounded in covenant authority: God’s people must be released for the purpose of worship. The verse underscores that deliverance and devotion are inseparable—liberation from bondage always leads to joyful service of the Redeemer. |
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