Exodus 5:2

And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go.

Exodus 5:2 (KJV)

Context

In Exodus 5, Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, with God’s command to let the Israelites go and worship in the wilderness. Pharaoh’s reply is not merely a political refusal; it is a direct challenge to the authority of the God who sent them.

Meaning

Pharaoh’s question, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go?” reveals his ignorance of the true nature and power of God. As ruler of Egypt, Pharaoh considered himself divine and worshipped many Egyptian gods. He did not recognize the authority of the God of Israel or acknowledge His supremacy. The name “LORD” (Jehovah/Yahweh) was the covenant name by which God had revealed Himself to Israel, and Pharaoh’s dismissal of it shows his contempt for the God who had sent Moses.

Pharaoh’s statement, “I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go,” demonstrates his stubborn refusal to obey God’s command. His heart was hardened, and he viewed the Israelites as valuable resources for his kingdom’s labor force. Pharaoh’s pride and disbelief prevented him from acknowledging the God of Israel and granting freedom to His people.

Biblical connections

This verse highlights the central conflict between the mighty ruler of Egypt and the omnipotent God of Israel. Pharaoh’s arrogance and refusal to acknowledge God’s authority set the stage for the divine demonstrations of power that would follow in the form of the ten plagues. Through these plagues, God would reveal His sovereignty over all creation and demonstrate that there is no power or deity that can stand against Him.

Application

The attitude of Pharaoh can serve as a reminder for us to examine our own hearts and attitudes toward God. Do we recognize and honor God as the one true Lord over our lives, or do we allow pride, doubt, or disbelief to hinder our obedience to His commands? The story of Exodus challenges us to humbly submit to God’s authority and trust in His power, even in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances.

Reflection

Pharaoh’s defiance is a warning against hardening one’s heart against God’s word and refusing to know Him. It also highlights the importance of knowing God personally and obeying His voice, in contrast to Pharaoh’s ignorance and rebellion. This verse invites us to reflect on our own attitudes toward God and to humbly submit to His authority in our lives.