Exodus 5:1

¶ 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.

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}.

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.'"

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.’”

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

Exodus 5:1 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, initiating the direct confrontation between God's chosen representatives and the most powerful ruler of the ancient world. After gathering the elders of Israel and performing signs to confirm their divine commission (Exodus 4:29-31), Moses and Aaron boldly approach Pharaoh with a clear, unequivocal demand from the Almighty.

Context

This verse sets the stage for the dramatic showdown that will culminate in the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian bondage. Moses and Aaron, acting on God's explicit instructions, present the first of many divine pronouncements to Pharaoh. Their request, seemingly simple, carries immense theological weight: permission for the Israelites to leave Egypt for a brief period to worship their God in the wilderness. This initial demand is a test of Pharaoh's willingness to acknowledge a power greater than his own, and his immediate refusal will trigger the series of plagues.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority vs. Earthly Power: The phrase "Thus saith the LORD God of Israel" immediately establishes the ultimate authority behind the demand. It's not Moses or Aaron speaking on their own behalf, but the sovereign God of creation challenging Pharaoh's absolute rule. This theme underscores the conflict between God's will and human resistance.
  • Worship and Freedom: The core purpose of the demand is for Israel to "hold a feast unto me in the wilderness." This highlights that the ultimate goal of Israel's freedom is to worship and serve God without hindrance. Freedom from slavery is inextricably linked to the freedom to worship.
  • God's Ownership of His People: The declaration "Let my people go" emphasizes God's covenant relationship with Israel. They are not merely slaves of Egypt but "My people," belonging to the LORD. This divine claim over Israel is foundational to the entire Exodus narrative.
  • The Wilderness as a Place of Encounter: The request to hold a feast "in the wilderness" is significant. It suggests a need for separation from the pagan influences of Egypt to engage in pure worship, foreshadowing the journey through the wilderness and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew name for God, Yahweh (יְהוָה), translated as "LORD" (all caps) in the KJV, signifies God's personal, covenantal name. Its use here reinforces the intimate relationship between God and Israel, distinguishing Him from the many gods of Egypt.
  • The phrase "Let my people go" uses the Hebrew verb שַׁלַּח (shalach), which means to send, release, or dismiss. It's a forceful command, not a polite request, reflecting God's authoritative stance.
  • "Hold a feast" comes from the Hebrew verb חָגַג (chagag), which specifically refers to observing a religious festival or pilgrimage. This was not a casual outing but a solemn, required act of worship, underscoring its importance to God.

Practical Application

Exodus 5:1 reminds us that God desires His people to be free to worship and serve Him without compromise. For believers today, this can mean standing firm in our faith even when faced with opposition from powerful worldly systems or cultural pressures. It also highlights God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly rulers and powers. Just as Pharaoh was forced to acknowledge the LORD's authority, so too will all earthly authorities ultimately bow before the King of kings. Our primary allegiance, like Israel's, is to the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 10:9 (7 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Matthew 10:28 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Ezekiel 2:6 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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.