Introduction

Exodus 5 shows that deliverance doesn't come easily. Moses and Aaron's first request to Pharaoh results not in freedom but in harsher oppression. The people turn against Moses, and Moses questions God. This chapter reminds us that the path to liberation often goes through deeper darkness first.

First Confrontation with Pharaoh

[1-5] The demand and the refusal.

• Moses and Aaron approach [1]: "This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: 'Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the wilderness.'"
• Pharaoh's response [2]: "Who is the Lord, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go."
• Further appeal [3]: "The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Now let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to the Lord our God, or he may strike us with plagues or with the sword."
• Pharaoh's accusation [4-5]: "Moses and Aaron, why are you taking the people away from their labor? Get back to your work!" He notes how numerous the Hebrews have become and how this is stopping them from working

Bricks Without Straw

[6-14] Pharaoh increases the burden.

• Orders to slave drivers [6-9]: "You are no longer to supply the people with straw for making bricks; let them go and gather their own straw. But require them to make the same number of bricks as before; don't reduce the quota. They are lazy; that is why they are crying out, 'Let us go and sacrifice to our God.' Make the work harder for the men so that they keep working and pay no attention to lies."
• The message delivered [10-11]: The slave drivers tell the people: "This is what Pharaoh says: 'I will not give you any more straw. Go and get your own straw wherever you can find it, but your work will not be reduced at all.'"
• Scattered to gather stubble [12]: The people scatter throughout Egypt to gather stubble to use for straw
• Beatings [13-14]: The slave drivers keep pressing: "Complete the work required of you for each day." The Israelite overseers are beaten: "Why haven't you met your quota of bricks yesterday or today?"

The Overseers Appeal to Pharaoh

[15-19] Israel's leaders confront Pharaoh directly.

• Their plea [15-16]: "Why have you treated your servants this way? Your servants are given no straw, yet we are told, 'Make bricks!' Your servants are being beaten, but the fault is with your own people."
• Pharaoh's verdict [17-18]: "Lazy, that's what you are—lazy! That is why you keep saying, 'Let us go and sacrifice to the Lord.' Now get to work. You will not be given any straw, yet you must produce your full quota of bricks."
• Despair [19]: The Israelite overseers realize they are in trouble when told, "You are not to reduce the number of bricks required of you for each day."

The People Turn Against Moses

[20-21] Blame falls on the deliverer.

• Confronting Moses and Aaron [20]: The overseers find Moses and Aaron waiting to meet them as they leave Pharaoh
• Their accusation [21]: "May the Lord look on you and judge you! You have made us obnoxious to Pharaoh and his officials and have put a sword in their hand to kill us."

Moses Questions God

[22-23] The deliverer's own doubt.

• Moses returns to the Lord [22]: "Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me?"
• The complaint [23]: "Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and you have not rescued your people at all."
• Honest prayer: Moses doesn't hide his confusion from God—a model for bringing our struggles before Him

Key Takeaways

• Pharaoh doesn't know the Lord [2]: The plagues will teach him
• Things can get worse before better [6-9]: Deliverance often follows increased pressure
• Leaders face criticism [21]: Those who lead God's people will face blame
• Honest lament is acceptable [22-23]: Moses questions God; God doesn't reject him

Reflection Questions

• When has obedience to God seemed to make things worse before they got better?
• How do you respond when others blame you for difficulties that came from following God?
• What honest questions do you need to bring before God today?