“And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us.”
Exodus 5:21 is part of the narrative describing the encounter between Moses and Aaron, the representatives of the Israelites, and Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. In this verse, the Israelite leaders confront Moses and Aaron after their initial meeting with Pharaoh, expressing their distress and frustration over the worsening conditions imposed upon them by Pharaoh.
Let’s break down the verse and explore its context:
- "And they said unto them":The phrase refers to the Israelite leaders addressing Moses and Aaron. The leaders represent the Israelite community and act as spokespersons in their conversation with Pharaoh.
- "The LORD look upon you, and judge":The Israelite leaders invoke God’s attention and judgment upon Moses and Aaron. They are essentially blaming Moses and Aaron for the adverse consequences they are facing as a result of their interaction with Pharaoh.
- "Because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants":The Israelite leaders accuse Moses and Aaron of causing Pharaoh and his servants to despise the Israelites. The term "savour" can be understood as the Israelites’ reputation or standing in the eyes of the Egyptians.
- "To put a sword in their hand to slay us":The Israelite leaders express their fear and concern that the actions of Moses and Aaron have incited Pharaoh and his servants to contemplate violence against them. They believe that Moses and Aaron’s plea to Pharaoh for the release of the Israelites has resulted in increased hostility towards them.
This verse highlights the tension and distress experienced by the Israelite leaders as they confront Moses and Aaron. Their frustration stems from the deteriorating conditions imposed upon the Israelites by Pharaoh, which they attribute to Moses and Aaron’s efforts to secure their freedom.
Overall, Exodus 5:21 demonstrates the challenges faced by the Israelites in their quest for liberation and the dynamics of their relationship with their leaders, Moses and Aaron. It sets the stage for the subsequent events leading to the Exodus and the eventual deliverance of the Israelites from bondage in Egypt.
