What does Exodus 5:22 mean?

A recurring theme in Scripture is that God's plans are not always clear, and results are not always immediate (Isaiah 55:8–9; Habakkuk 1:5; Colossians 1:26). God called Moses to deliver Israel from slavery (Exodus 1:11, 13–14) by confronting the Egyptian ruler (Exodus 3:4–6, 10). But Moses' first encounter with Pharaoh (Exodus 5:1–4) resulted in brutal retaliation (Exodus 5:14–18). The people have turned on Moses, blaming him for this turn of events (Exodus 5:20–21).

This leads Moses to a natural question: why is this happening? If God promised to rescue the Hebrews, why are they suffering more after the Lord has begun to speak? Moses' earlier doubts and fears are probably racing through his mind (Exodus 3:11; 4:1, 10, 13). Moses doesn't accuse God of being immoral; the word often translated as "evil" also means "hurt" or "affliction." These two questions could be re-phrased as, "Lord, what are you doing?" and "what's the point of my mission?"

Jesus' earthly ministry also demonstrated moments where it seemed that God's plans were being thwarted. His crucifixion was the most dramatic example: the self-proclaimed Savior dying a shameful death (Matthew 16:21–23). Yet this was part of the plans God had already made (Matthew 26:53–54; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Our limited perspective makes despair a common temptation. Scripture calls on us to "hold fast" (Hebrews 4:14), knowing the Lord can work through difficult circumstances to accomplish His purposes (Romans 8:28, 37–39).

Of course, God already told Moses something like this would happen (Exodus 3:19–20). God will respond patiently to Moses' concerns (Exodus 6:1).