Verses 18–23
After God had appeared in the bush, he often spake to Moses. Pharaoh had hardened his own
heart against the groans and cries of the oppressed Israelites; and now God, in the way of righteous
judgment, hardens his heart against the teaching of the miracles, and the terror of the plagues. But
whether Pharaoh will hear, or whether he will forbear, Moses must tell him, Thus saith the Lord.
He must demand a discharge for Israel, Let my son go; not only my servant, whom thou hast no
right to detain, but my son. It is my son that serves me, and therefore must be spared, must be
pleaded for. In case of refusal I will slay thy son, even thy first-born. As men deal with God's
people, let them expect so to be dealt with.
Verses 24–31
God met Moses in anger. The Lord threatened him with death or sent sickness upon him, as
the punishment of his having neglected to circumcise his son. When God discovers to us what is
amiss in our lives, we must give all diligence to amend it speedily. This is the voice of every rod;
it calls us to return to Him that smites us. God sent Aaron to meet Moses. The more they saw of
God's bringing them together, the more pleasant their interview was. The elders of Israel met them
in faith, and were ready to obey them. It often happens, that less difficulty is found than was
expected, in such undertakings as are according to the will of God, and for his glory. Let us but
arise and try at our proper work, the Lord will be with us and prosper us. If Israel welcomed the
tidings of their deliverance, and worshipped the Lord, how should we welcome the glad tidings of
redemption, embrace it in faith, and adore the Redeemer!
Chapter 5
Chapter Outline
Pharaoh's displeasure, He increases the tasks (1–9)
of the Israelites.
The sufferings of the Israelites, Moses' (10–23)
complaint to God.Verses 1–9
God will own his people, though poor and despised, and will find a time to plead their cause.
Pharaoh treated all he had heard with contempt. He had no knowledge of Jehovah, no fear of him,
no love to him, and therefore refused to obey him. Thus Pharaoh's pride, ambition, covetousness,
and political knowledge, hardened him to his own destruction. What Moses and Aaron ask is very
reasonable, only to go three days' journey into the desert, and that on a good errand. We will sacrifice
unto the Lord our God. Pharaoh was very unreasonable, in saying that the people were idle, and