Exodus 5:1

KJV

¶ And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.

KJV (with Strong's)

And afterward {H310} Moses {H4872} and Aaron {H175} went in {H935}, and told {H559} Pharaoh {H6547}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, Let my people {H5971} go {H7971}, that they may hold a feast {H2287} unto me in the wilderness {H4057}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After that, Moshe and Aharon came and said to Pharaoh, "Here is what ADONAI, the God of Isra'el, says: 'Let my people go, so that they can celebrate a festival in the desert to honor me.'"

Berean Standard Bible

After that, Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.’”

American Standard Version

And afterward Moses and Aaron came, and said unto Pharaoh, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 5:1 marks the dramatic opening salvo in the divine confrontation between the God of Israel and Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. Following their divine commission and successful presentation of signs to the Israelite elders, Moses and Aaron boldly approach Pharaoh, delivering the LORD God of Israel's unequivocal demand: "Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness." This declaration initiates the epic conflict that will ultimately culminate in Israel's miraculous liberation and the demonstration of Yahweh's supreme sovereignty over all earthly powers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a pivotal moment in the narrative: God's detailed commissioning of Moses and Aaron, empowering them with signs and promises of deliverance ([Exodus 3:1-4:17](/exodus/3-1-4-17 "The Call of Moses and Aaron")). Crucially, it also comes after Moses and Aaron have successfully presented these divine signs to the elders of Israel, resulting in the people's belief and worship ([Exodus 4:29-31](/exodus/4-29-31 "Moses and Aaron Gather the Elders")). Having established their credibility with their own people, Moses and Aaron now transition from internal leadership to external confrontation. Exodus 5:1 therefore serves as the narrative's turning point, shifting the focus from preparation and internal affirmation to the direct challenge against the oppressive power of Egypt, setting the stage for the escalating series of plagues and the ultimate Exodus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was the dominant superpower of its time, characterized by a highly centralized government and a pharaoh who was considered a divine being, a living god. Pharaoh's word was law, his authority absolute, and his control over his subjects, including foreign laborers like the Israelites, was unquestioned. The concept of a foreign deity demanding the release of his "property" was not only an affront but an existential threat to Pharaoh's perceived divine status and economic stability. Furthermore, "holding a feast" in the wilderness was not a casual request; it implied a religious pilgrimage, a temporary cessation of labor, and a journey into sacred space, which would have been seen as a direct challenge to Pharaoh's control over the Israelites' time, labor, and spiritual allegiance. The wilderness itself was often viewed as a place of divine encounter and purity, distinct from the idolatrous practices of Egypt.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 5:1 powerfully introduces several overarching themes that permeate the book of Exodus and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty vs. Earthly Power**, establishing a direct conflict between the absolute authority of the LORD and the perceived absolute power of Pharaoh. Secondly, it underscores **Liberation for Worship**, revealing that God's ultimate purpose in freeing His people is not merely freedom *from* oppression, but freedom *for* devoted service and worship, a concept central to the covenant relationship established at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "The Giving of the Law at Mount Sinai"). Thirdly, the phrase "My people" emphasizes God's **Covenantal Faithfulness** and His unwavering claim over Israel, demonstrating His commitment to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant")). Finally, the initial demand for a temporary departure foreshadows the **Progressive Revelation of God's Power** through the plagues, designed to reveal Yahweh's might to both Egypt and Israel, ensuring that "they may know that I am the LORD" ([Exodus 7:5](/exodus/7-5 "Pharaoh Will Know the LORD")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 5:1 records the momentous initial encounter between God's appointed messengers and the most powerful ruler of the ancient world. The verse encapsulates the divine demand that sets in motion the dramatic events of the Exodus.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, YHWH (H3068), God's personal, covenantal name, derived from the root "to be" (H1961). It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal." The use of "LORD" here is highly significant, asserting the unique, unchanging, and sovereign nature of the God of Israel, distinguishing Him from the numerous, lesser gods of Egypt. It emphasizes His faithfulness to His covenant promises and His active presence in the affairs of His people.
* **go (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** The Hebrew verb (H7971) means "to send away, for, or out" and implies a strong command to release or dismiss. It is not a polite request but an authoritative directive. This choice of word highlights God's absolute claim over His people and His intention to forcefully remove them from Pharaoh's grasp, underscoring the divine initiative behind the Exodus.
* **hold a feast (Hebrew, _châgag'_):** This primitive root (H2287) properly means "to move in a circle," specifically "to march in a sacred procession, to observe a festival." It denotes a solemn, required act of worship or pilgrimage. This word reveals the ultimate purpose of Israel's liberation: not merely freedom from labor, but freedom for sacred, unhindered worship and communion with their God, a theme that will be central to their identity as a nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh":** This opening phrase establishes the timing and directness of the confrontation. "Afterward" (H310, _ʼachar'_) refers to the preceding events of God's commission and the elders' belief, indicating a deliberate and divinely orchestrated sequence. Moses and Aaron, now fully authorized and affirmed, directly approach the seat of Egyptian power, demonstrating courage and obedience to God's command. Their entrance into Pharaoh's presence signifies the commencement of the divine challenge to human authority.
* **"Thus saith the LORD God of Israel":** This is a formal prophetic declaration, immediately establishing the ultimate source of the demand. It is not a human request but a divine oracle. The title "LORD God of Israel" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh'_ H430, _ʼĕlôhîym'_ H3478, _Yisrâʼêl'_) is profoundly significant. "LORD" (Yahweh) is God's personal, covenantal name, emphasizing His unique relationship with Israel. "God" (Elohim) denotes His supreme power and deity. "Of Israel" asserts His specific ownership and claim over this nation, directly confronting Pharaoh's perceived dominion and the legitimacy of Egyptian deities.
* **"Let my people go":** This is the core demand, a powerful assertion of divine ownership. The Israelites are not merely slaves of Egypt but "My people" (H5971, _ʻam'_), belonging to the LORD through covenant. The verb "let go" (H7971, _shâlach'_) is a strong command to release or dismiss, reflecting God's authoritative stance rather than a plea. This declaration serves as the foundational premise for the entire Exodus narrative, emphasizing God's sovereign right to His own.
* **"that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness":** This clause reveals the purpose of the liberation. The "feast" (H2287, _châgag'_) signifies a solemn religious observance or pilgrimage. The location, "in the wilderness" (H4057, _midbâr'_), is crucial; it implies a necessary separation from the idolatrous and oppressive influences of Egypt to engage in pure, unhindered worship. This highlights that true freedom is inextricably linked to the freedom to worship and serve God without compromise, foreshadowing the journey to Sinai and the establishment of the covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 5:1 employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Divine Speech**, as Moses and Aaron deliver God's direct words ("Thus saith the LORD God of Israel"). This imbues the pronouncement with absolute authority and sets the stage for a conflict of wills between divine decree and human defiance. The verse also utilizes **Confrontation**, immediately pitting God's representatives against Pharaoh, establishing the central tension of the narrative. The phrase "My people" is an example of **Possessive Language**, emphasizing God's covenantal ownership and challenging Pharaoh's claim. Finally, the request to "hold a feast unto me in the wilderness" serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the future journey to Sinai, the giving of the Law, and the establishment of Israel's identity as a worshipping nation, distinct from the pagan world. The "wilderness" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing a place of purification, testing, and exclusive encounter with God, away from the corrupting influences of Egypt.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 5:1 is a theological linchpin, initiating the grand narrative of redemption and revealing fundamental truths about God's character and purposes. It establishes the ultimate conflict between the absolute sovereignty of the LORD and the perceived absolute power of an earthly ruler, demonstrating that no human authority can ultimately thwart God's will. The core purpose of Israel's liberation is not merely freedom *from* oppression, but freedom *for* worship and service to God, underscoring that true human flourishing is found in devoted communion with the Creator. This verse also powerfully asserts God's covenantal faithfulness, as He acts to reclaim "My people" from bondage, fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham. The demand for worship "in the wilderness" signifies the necessity of spiritual separation from worldly influences to facilitate genuine communion and obedience, laying the groundwork for Israel's unique identity as a holy nation set apart for God.

* [Deuteronomy 6:20-23](/deuteronomy/6-20-23 "Remembering God's Deliverance")
* [Psalm 105:26-27](/psalm/105-26-27 "God's Servants Moses and Aaron")
* [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "God's Purpose in Pharaoh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 5:1 serves as a profound reminder that God desires His people to be free to worship and serve Him without hindrance or compromise. For believers today, this means maintaining our primary allegiance to God even when faced with opposition from powerful worldly systems, cultural pressures, or personal circumstances that seek to restrict our faith. It underscores God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly rulers and powers; just as Pharaoh was ultimately forced to acknowledge the LORD's authority, so too will all earthly authorities eventually bow before the King of kings. Our call, like Israel's, is to seek first the [kingdom of God and His righteousness](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom"), recognizing that true freedom is found not in autonomy from God, but in devoted worship and obedience to Him. We are liberated not just *from* sin, but *for* a life of worship and service, a continuous "feast" unto our God, even in the "wilderness" of this present age.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be allowing "Pharaohs" (worldly systems, cultural pressures, personal fears) to hinder your freedom to worship and serve God fully?**
* **How does understanding that God's ultimate purpose for our liberation is worship transform your perspective on freedom?**
* **What practical steps can you take to create "wilderness" spaces in your life—times or places of separation from worldly distractions—to more fully encounter and worship God?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command Israel to hold a "feast" in the wilderness, rather than simply demanding their immediate and permanent release?**

Answer: God's initial demand for a temporary departure to hold a feast served multiple strategic and theological purposes. It was a test of Pharaoh's willingness to acknowledge any authority higher than his own, immediately revealing his hardened heart and setting the stage for the escalating plagues. The "feast" (Hebrew *chagag*) was a solemn religious pilgrimage, emphasizing that the ultimate purpose of Israel's freedom was to worship God, establishing the spiritual dimension of their liberation from the outset. This also allowed God to demonstrate His power progressively through the plagues, not only to Pharaoh and Egypt but also to Israel, solidifying their faith and preparing them for a deeper covenant relationship and the giving of the Law in the wilderness, as described in [Exodus 19-24](/exodus/19-24 "The Covenant at Sinai").

**What is the significance of the title "LORD God of Israel" in this context?**

Answer: The title "LORD God of Israel" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Elohei Yisrael*) is profoundly significant. "LORD" (*Yahweh*, H3068) is God's personal, covenantal name, emphasizing His faithfulness to His promises and His unique, eternal relationship with His people. "God" (*Elohim*, H430) denotes His supreme power and deity over all creation. "Of Israel" (H3478) asserts His specific claim over this nation, distinguishing Him from the numerous, impotent gods worshipped in Egypt. By using this title, God directly challenges Pharaoh's authority and the legitimacy of Egyptian deities, declaring Himself the one true sovereign over Israel and, by extension, over all creation, as later seen in [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's Power Displayed to Pharaoh").

**Why did Moses and Aaron approach Pharaoh directly, rather than God simply liberating Israel without human intervention?**

Answer: God often chooses to work through human agents, demonstrating His power through their obedience and faith. Moses and Aaron's direct confrontation with Pharaoh was essential for several reasons: it publicly established God's authority over Egypt, allowed Pharaoh's hardening of heart to be clearly demonstrated, and provided a clear, undeniable witness to both Egyptians and Israelites of God's active involvement in history. This human involvement also highlighted the element of faith and obedience required in God's redemptive plan, even in the face of overwhelming opposition, a pattern seen throughout biblical history, such as in [Joshua's leadership](/joshua/1 "Joshua's Commission") or [the prophets' declarations](/jeremiah/1-4-10 "Jeremiah's Call").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 5:1 powerfully foreshadows the ultimate liberation brought by Jesus Christ. Just as Moses and Aaron confronted Pharaoh to free God's people from physical bondage for the purpose of worship, so Christ, the greater Moses, confronts the spiritual powers of darkness—sin, death, and the devil—to liberate humanity from their ultimate spiritual bondage. His redemptive work on the cross secures not merely physical freedom, but profound spiritual freedom, enabling His people to truly "hold a feast unto Him"—to worship God in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "True Worshipers Worship in Spirit and Truth")) and to serve Him without the hindrance of sin or the fear of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Jesus Frees from Fear of Death")). He is the one who truly leads His people out of the "Egypt" of this world (symbolizing sin and the dominion of Satan) into the "wilderness" of discipleship, preparing them for eternal communion and worship in His glorious presence ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Worship Before the Throne")). Through Christ, we are not only set free *from* something, but set free *for* an eternal relationship of worship and service to the living God, our ultimate deliverer and Lord.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 10:9

And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we [must hold] a feast unto the LORD.

1 Kings 21:20

And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found [thee]: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.

Exodus 3:18

And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.

Acts 4:29

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

Matthew 10:28

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Psalms 119:46

I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.

Ezekiel 2:6

¶ And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns [be] with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they [be] a rebellious house.