“And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh.”
This verse is part of the narrative in the book of Exodus, which describes the events surrounding the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. To understand the significance of Exodus 5:20, it’s helpful to examine the broader context.
In Exodus 5, Moses and Aaron have just confronted Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, on behalf of the Israelites, who were enslaved in Egypt. God had instructed Moses to demand Pharaoh’s permission for the Israelites to go into the wilderness to worship and sacrifice to Him.
However, instead of granting their request, Pharaoh not only refused but also increased the burden on the Israelites. He commanded his taskmasters to stop providing the Israelites with straw while still expecting them to maintain their daily quota of bricks for building projects. This caused great distress among the Israelites and led them to complain bitterly to Pharaoh.
In verse 20, we see that as the Israelite foremen left Pharaoh’s presence, they encountered Moses and Aaron, who were waiting for them. This meeting likely took place outside of Pharaoh’s presence, allowing the foremen to express their frustration and disappointment to Moses and Aaron.
The verse itself may seem brief, but it highlights an important aspect of Moses and Aaron’s role as intermediaries between the Israelites and Pharaoh. Moses, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, and Aaron, his brother and spokesperson, served as messengers and advocates for their people.
The encounter depicted in Exodus 5:20 signifies the solidarity between Moses, Aaron, and the Israelite foremen. It reveals the frustration and disappointment felt by the Israelites due to the increased hardships imposed upon them by Pharaoh.
This verse also sets the stage for subsequent events, such as the continued negotiations with Pharaoh and the eventual display of God’s miraculous power through the ten plagues, leading to the Israelites’ liberation.
In summary, Exodus 5:20 captures a moment of interaction between Moses, Aaron, and the Israelite foremen following their disappointing encounter with Pharaoh. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Israelites and the pivotal role played by Moses and Aaron in their liberation.
