Exodus 5:2

KJV

And Pharaoh said, Who [is] the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Pharaoh {H6547} said {H559}, Who is the LORD {H3068}, that I should obey {H8085} his voice {H6963} to let Israel {H3478} go {H7971}? I know {H3045} not the LORD {H3068}, neither will I let Israel {H3478} go {H7971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Pharaoh replied, "Who is ADONAI, that I should obey when he says to let Isra'el go? I don't know ADONAI, and I also won't let Isra'el go."

Berean Standard Bible

But Pharaoh replied, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go.”

American Standard Version

And Pharaoh said, Who is Jehovah, that I should hearken unto his voice to let Israel go? I know not Jehovah, and moreover I will not let Israel go.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 5:2 encapsulates Pharaoh's audacious and spiritually blind defiance against the divine mandate delivered by Moses and Aaron. His contemptuous rhetorical question, "Who [is] the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go," serves as a profound challenge to God's ultimate authority and sovereignty. This declaration sets the definitive stage for the ensuing cosmic conflict, where God will dramatically reveal His identity and power through a series of devastating plagues, culminating in the miraculous liberation of His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse immediately follows Moses and Aaron's initial, direct confrontation with Pharaoh, as recorded in [Exodus 5:1](/exodus/5-1 "Moses and Aaron Confront Pharaoh"). They have just delivered the LORD's explicit command: "Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness." Pharaoh's response in verse 2 is therefore not a casual remark but a formal, immediate, and utterly defiant rejection of this divine summons. It marks the true beginning of the escalating conflict between God and Pharaoh, signaling that diplomacy will fail and only divine intervention can achieve Israel's liberation. This verse sets the tone for the entire narrative of the plagues, where God will systematically answer Pharaoh's rhetorical question through overwhelming displays of power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For centuries, the Israelites had endured brutal enslavement in Egypt, serving as a vital labor force for the empire. Pharaoh, as the reigning monarch, was not merely a political leader but was considered a living god within the elaborate Egyptian pantheon, holding absolute power and authority over his realm and its inhabitants. Egyptian religion was polytheistic, with a vast array of deities associated with various aspects of nature and life. Pharaoh had no prior recognition or understanding of Yahweh, the singular, transcendent God of Israel, and therefore perceived no obligation to acknowledge or obey a deity outside his established religious and political framework. His outright refusal is not merely a political negotiation over slave labor but a profound theological declaration of his own perceived supremacy and the supremacy of Egyptian gods over any competing divine claim.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 5:2 is crucial for establishing several key themes that permeate the book of Exodus and beyond. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty versus Human Arrogance**, as Pharaoh's defiance directly challenges God's ultimate authority. Secondly, it introduces **Spiritual Blindness and Willful Ignorance**, demonstrating how a lack of true, experiential knowledge of God leads to disastrous consequences. Thirdly, Pharaoh's challenge provides the impetus for **God's Purpose in Self-Revelation**, as the subsequent plagues are explicitly designed to demonstrate God's identity and power, ensuring that "they may know that I am the LORD," as stated in [Exodus 7:5](/exodus/7-5 "God's Purpose in the Plagues") and reiterated in [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's Power Displayed Through Pharaoh"). Finally, it underscores the **Unwavering Nature of God's Covenant Plan**, showing that despite immediate human resistance, God's purpose to deliver Israel remains steadfast and unstoppable.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 5:2 presents Pharaoh's immediate and unequivocal rejection of the LORD's authority, marking the true beginning of the divine-human conflict that defines the Exodus narrative.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the personal, covenant name of God, Yahweh (H3068), signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." Pharaoh's question, "Who is the LORD?" is a direct challenge to the very being and authority of the God who is, who was, and who is to come. His ignorance of this specific, unique name underscores his spiritual blindness to the true sovereign of the universe, distinct from the myriad of Egyptian deities. The entire Exodus narrative will serve as God's answer to this question, revealing His unmatched power and identity.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** The Hebrew verb _yâdaʻ_ (H3045) implies far more than mere intellectual acquaintance. It denotes a deep, experiential, relational understanding, often leading to acknowledgment, obedience, and intimacy. When Pharaoh declares, "I know not the LORD," he is not simply stating a lack of information but a profound absence of a relationship, recognition, or submission to Yahweh's authority. This willful ignorance is the root of his defiance and sets the stage for God to compel him to "know" Him through powerful and undeniable acts.
* **Pharaoh (Egyptian, _Parʻôh'_):** This term (H6547) is a general title for the Egyptian king, who was considered a living god and the mediator between gods and men in Egyptian theology. His identity as "Pharaoh" is crucial here, as his perceived divine status and absolute authority within his own realm clash directly with the supreme authority of Yahweh, the God of Israel. His refusal is not just a political act but a theological assertion of his own perceived supremacy, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown between the false gods of Egypt and the one true God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Pharaoh said":** This introductory phrase sets a solemn and authoritative tone. It marks the formal response of the most powerful man in the ancient world, whose words carry immense political, religious, and economic weight. His utterance is not a casual remark but a deliberate, defiant declaration that directly challenges the divine messenger.
* **"Who [is] the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go?":** This is a rhetorical question, not an inquiry seeking information, but a contemptuous dismissal. Pharaoh's tone is one of arrogance and defiance, challenging the very premise of God's right to issue commands. He asserts his own will as supreme, refusing to acknowledge any authority higher than his own. The phrase "obey his voice" (literally, "hear his voice," from H8085 _shâmaʻ_, implying attentive hearing leading to obedience) highlights his outright rejection of submission to an unknown deity.
* **"I know not the LORD":** This declaration underscores a profound spiritual ignorance, reinforcing the rhetorical question. As discussed, "know" (_yâdaʻ_, H3045) signifies a deep, experiential, and relational understanding. Pharaoh lacks any personal or experiential recognition of Yahweh's power, authority, or existence. This absence of knowledge is not merely intellectual oversight but a willful refusal to acknowledge God's sovereign claim, rooted in his own self-deification and the polytheistic worldview of Egypt.
* **"neither will I let Israel go":** This is the direct, unequivocal consequence of Pharaoh's spiritual blindness and hardened heart. It is a firm, non-negotiable refusal to comply with God's command to "send away" (H7971 _shâlach_) His people. This statement solidifies his stance and initiates the divine judgment that will inevitably follow, as God will now systematically demonstrate His identity and power to compel Pharaoh's submission.

#### Literary Devices
Pharaoh's declaration in Exodus 5:2 is rich with literary techniques that amplify its dramatic and theological significance. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**: "Who [is] the LORD, that I should obey his voice...?" This is not a genuine search for information but a powerful expression of contempt, defiance, and a challenge to Yahweh's authority. Its purpose is to assert Pharaoh's perceived supremacy and dismiss God's claim as illegitimate. Furthermore, the verse employs **Parallelism** and **Repetition** in the two clauses: "Who is the LORD... I know not the LORD." This repetition emphasizes Pharaoh's resolute ignorance and defiance, reinforcing his unwillingness to acknowledge or submit to Yahweh. The second part, "neither will I let Israel go," directly follows from and is a consequence of the first, creating a clear cause-and-effect relationship between his spiritual blindness and his oppressive actions. Finally, there is profound **Irony** in Pharaoh's declaration. His statement, "I know not the LORD," becomes the very catalyst for God's systematic and undeniable self-revelation through the plagues, forcing Pharaoh, Egypt, and even Israel to "know" who the LORD truly is through overwhelming displays of power and judgment. This dramatic irony underscores God's sovereignty even in the face of human rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Pharaoh's defiant declaration in [Exodus 5:2](/exodus/5-2 "Pharaoh's Defiance") encapsulates a foundational biblical theme: the clash between divine sovereignty and human autonomy. His question, "Who is the LORD?", is not merely a statement of ignorance but a profound challenge to God's very being and authority, echoing the rebellious spirit found throughout human history. This verse underscores that true knowledge of God is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative, experiential relationship that demands obedience and submission. When humanity refuses to acknowledge God's rightful claim, it inevitably leads to spiritual blindness, hardened hearts, and ultimately, divine judgment. Yet, even in the face of such profound resistance, God's unwavering purpose to reveal Himself and deliver His people remains steadfast, turning human defiance into a stage for His glory and ensuring that His name is proclaimed throughout the earth.

* [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "God's Purpose in Raising Pharaoh")
* [Psalm 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "God's Derision of Rebellious Kings")
* [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "Eternal Life Through Knowing God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 5:2 confronts us with the timeless reality of human resistance to divine authority. Pharaoh's arrogant defiance, rooted in self-proclaimed divinity and willful ignorance, serves as a powerful mirror for our own hearts and societies. In a world that often seeks to dethrone God and elevate human autonomy, this verse challenges us to profoundly examine who we acknowledge as ultimate authority. Do we, like Pharaoh, dismiss God's voice because we "know not the LORD" in a deep, experiential, and obedient way? Or do we submit to His sovereign will, recognizing that true freedom and flourishing are found only in acknowledging His rightful place in our lives? This passage calls us to humility, urging us to cultivate a genuine, relational knowledge of God that transforms our actions and aligns our lives with His purposes, rather than hardening our hearts against His truth. It reminds us that God's plan will prevail, and our response determines whether we experience His judgment or His deliverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I, like Pharaoh, resist God's voice or claim ignorance of His will?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "know" the LORD experientially, beyond mere intellectual assent?**
* **How does my understanding of God's sovereignty influence my response to challenges and authorities in my life?**
* **What "idols" or self-perceptions might be preventing me from fully submitting to God's authority today?**

### FAQ
**Why is Pharaoh's question, "Who is the LORD?", so significant?**

Answer: Pharaoh's question is not a genuine inquiry but a profound rhetorical challenge born of arrogance and spiritual ignorance. It signifies his utter contempt for any authority beyond his own and his complete lack of recognition for Yahweh, the God of Israel. This defiant query sets the stage for God to answer it definitively through the dramatic series of plagues, demonstrating His supreme power and identity, not only to Pharaoh but to all of Egypt and to His own people, Israel, as seen in passages like [Exodus 7:5](/exodus/7-5 "God's Purpose in the Plagues").

**What does Pharaoh mean by "I know not the LORD"?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "know" (*yada*) implies more than just intellectual awareness; it signifies a deep, experiential, and relational understanding, often involving personal recognition and submission. Pharaoh's declaration means he has no personal or experiential recognition of Yahweh's power, authority, or existence. It's a statement of willful ignorance and a refusal to acknowledge God's rightful claim, rather than a simple lack of information.

**Why did God allow Pharaoh to defy Him initially?**

Answer: God allowed Pharaoh's initial defiance to demonstrate His power and sovereignty more fully and to make His name known throughout the earth. As [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "God's Purpose in Raising Pharaoh") echoes the sentiment of [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's Power Displayed Through Pharaoh"), God raised Pharaoh up for the very purpose of displaying His power through him. Pharaoh's resistance served as the catalyst for God's dramatic self-revelation, solidifying His identity and demonstrating His unmatched power for both Israel and Egypt, ensuring that "they may know that I am the LORD."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Pharaoh's defiant rejection of the LORD's authority and his oppressive enslavement of Israel serve as a profound Old Testament type, foreshadowing humanity's universal bondage to sin and Satan's cosmic rebellion against God. Just as God delivered Israel from Pharaoh's tyrannical hand through a series of mighty acts, culminating in the Passover sacrifice and the miraculous Red Sea deliverance, so too does Christ deliver humanity from the dominion of sin, death, and the spiritual forces of darkness. Pharaoh, in his self-exaltation and opposition to God's people, embodies the anti-Christ spirit of the world system, which constantly resists God's reign. Christ, the ultimate and perfect deliverer, definitively answers Pharaoh's contemptuous question, "Who is the LORD?", through His incarnate life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection. He is the visible image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Christ, the Image of God")), the one through whom all things were created and sustained ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Christ as Creator and Sustainer")), and the one to whom every knee will ultimately bow and every tongue confess as Lord ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Christ's Exaltation")). Through His victory on the cross and resurrection, Christ has disarmed the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), demonstrating God's supreme power, redemptive love, and absolute authority over all creation, ultimately leading His redeemed people into true freedom and eternal life in His kingdom ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "Freedom in Christ")). He is the true Passover Lamb ([1_corinthians/5-7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "Christ Our Passover Lamb")) who secures everlasting deliverance.

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 3:19

And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.

Job 21:15

What [is] the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?

2 Kings 18:35

Who [are] they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of mine hand?

Romans 1:28

And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

John 16:3

And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

2 Thessalonians 1:8

In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

Psalms 10:4

The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek [after God]: God [is] not in all his thoughts.