Exodus 5:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And Pharaoh said, "Behold, the people of the land are now many, and you make them rest from their burdens!"

NIV: Then Pharaoh said, "Look, the people of the land are now numerous, and you are stopping them from working."

NASB: Again Pharaoh said, 'Look, the people of the land are now many, and you would have them cease from their labors!'

CSB: Pharaoh also said, "Look, the people of the land are so numerous, and you would stop them from their labor."

NLT: Look, there are many of your people in the land, and you are stopping them from their work.'

KJV: And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens.

NKJV: And Pharaoh said, “Look, the people of the land are many now, and you make them rest from their labor!”

The Lord's command to release Israel has been delivered to Egypt's ruler, Pharaoh, for a second time (Exodus 5:1, 3). He responded with scorn (Exodus 5:2, 4). Here, Pharaoh repeats one of the fears which turned Egypt against the Israelites in the first place (Exodus 1:8–10). This may be something the king said to himself; his last comment expresses the same idea and was dismissive. He may even be referring to himself, meaning he is allowing the people too much free time.

Despite slavery and efforts to control the population (Exodus 1:16, 22), Israel continued to thrive. Egypt saw this as a threat. If the Hebrews sided with an enemy, they could tip the balance of a battle. If they chose to rebel, it would be disruptive and difficult to put down. Now, however, the size of the Israelite population is an incentive for Pharaoh to keep them in slavery. Even giving them a break would hamper efforts to build. Ultimately, Pharaoh controls a large slave workforce—one which he thinks needs to be retained and made to know their place. This inspires a spiteful decree which serves no purpose other than making the people suffer (Exodus 5:7–8).

The cruel slavery of Egypt is one reason the Old Testament so often refers to what God offers His people as "rest" (Exodus 16:23; 23:12; 33:14; Deuteronomy 12:9; Joshua 1:15).

Exodus 5:1–14 describes the first encounter between Moses and Egypt's ruler, Pharaoh (Exodus 4:21–23). When Moses asks that Israel be released for a period of worship (Exodus 3:18), Pharaoh flatly refuses. In fact, he retaliates against the Hebrews by forcing them to make the same quota of bricks (Exodus 1:13–14) without being provided the usual raw materials. This is impossible; the cruel punishments which follow are exactly what Pharaoh intended with his spiteful command.

Moses and Aaron have their first meeting with Egypt's king, the pharaoh. Though they are there to free Israel entirely (Exodus 3:10), they begin with a much less dramatic request: three days to worship their God in the wilderness (Exodus 3:18). Pharaoh refuses. Instead, he spitefully cuts off supply of raw materials—straw—while demanding the same output from the Hebrew slaves. This increases the peoples' burden and gives Pharaoh's taskmasters excuse to abuse them. When the Israelites turn against Moses, he expresses confusion to God.

Moses encountered the Lord (Exodus 3:4–6) during his exile (Exodus 2:15). God commanded Moses to return to Egypt and demand the freedom of the nation of Israel (Exodus 4:21–23). The people had come into Egypt in the days of Joseph (Exodus 1:1–7). Later, they fell into slavery and oppression (Exodus 1:13–14). The first request, in this chapter, is not received well. God will soon bring disasters on Egypt and its stubborn ruler (Exodus 3:10) until His peo-ple are finally released (Exodus 12:41).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.