“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.”
Context: The book of Exodus tells the story of how God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and led them towards the Promised Land. 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 Question: Pharaoh’s question, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go?” reveals his ignorance about the true nature and power of God. Pharaoh, being the ruler of Egypt, considered himself divine and worshipped many gods of Egypt. He did not recognize the authority of the God of the Israelites or acknowledge His supremacy.
Pharaoh’s Rejection: 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 the freedom of His people.
The Significance: 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 towards 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.
In summary, Exodus 5:2 portrays Pharaoh’s ignorance of and refusal to acknowledge the Lord’s authority. It sets the stage for the conflict between Pharaoh and the God of Israel, which ultimately leads to God’s demonstration of power through the ten plagues. This verse invites us to reflect on our own attitudes towards God and to humbly submit to His authority in our lives.
