Exodus 5:2

Exodus 5:2 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of the Exodus, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation between God and Pharaoh. In this verse, Pharaoh, the powerful ruler of Egypt, responds with defiance and contempt to the demand made by Moses and Aaron to let the Israelites go and worship their God in the wilderness. His rhetorical question, "Who [is] the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go?" reveals his profound ignorance and arrogant dismissal of the God of Israel.

Context

This verse occurs immediately after Moses and Aaron deliver God's direct command to Pharaoh in Exodus 5:1. At this point, the Israelites have been enslaved in Egypt for centuries, enduring harsh bondage and forced labor. Pharaoh views himself as the supreme authority, even a god in his own right, within the Egyptian pantheon. He has no prior knowledge of the specific deity Moses and Aaron represent, nor does he acknowledge any authority higher than his own. His refusal is not merely a political maneuver but a direct challenge to the divine sovereignty of the LORD.

Key Themes

• Divine Authority vs. Human Arrogance: Pharaoh's question and declaration directly confront the LORD's authority. He asserts his own will above any divine command, highlighting the clash between God's absolute sovereignty and human pride. This defiance sets the stage for God to demonstrate His power unmistakably.
• Ignorance and Spiritual Blindness: Pharaoh's statement, "I know not the LORD," underscores a profound spiritual ignorance. This lack of knowledge is not just intellectual but also experiential; he does not recognize God's power or right to command. This ignorance is willful, leading to stubborn resistance.
• The Purpose of God's Revelation: Ironically, Pharaoh's defiant question provides the very reason for the subsequent plagues and miracles. God will systematically reveal Himself to Pharaoh, Egypt, and Israel, demonstrating His identity and power so that "they may know that I am the LORD" (Exodus 7:5, Exodus 9:16).
• Unwavering Divine Purpose: Despite Pharaoh's immediate refusal, God's plan to deliver Israel remains steadfast. This initial rejection only intensifies the impending divine judgment and the miraculous demonstration of God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

Linguistic Insights

The term "LORD" in the King James Version consistently translates the Hebrew name YHWH (Yahweh), God's personal covenant name, often rendered as "the self-existent One." Pharaoh's question, "Who is YHWH?", indicates his unfamiliarity with this specific, powerful God who stands distinct from the myriad of Egyptian deities. The word "know" (Hebrew: yada) implies more than just intellectual awareness; it signifies a deep, experiential, and relational understanding. Pharaoh's declaration, "I know not the LORD," means he has no personal or experiential recognition of Yahweh's power, authority, or existence. This absence of knowledge is a key factor in his refusal and the subsequent hardening of his heart (Exodus 7:3).

Practical Application

Exodus 5:2 serves as a powerful reminder that human defiance against God's will is not new. Like Pharaoh, individuals and systems throughout history have challenged God's authority, often out of ignorance, pride, or a desire to maintain control. This verse teaches us:

• The Importance of Recognizing God's Sovereignty: We are called to acknowledge God as the ultimate authority in our lives and in the world, not to question His right to command.
• The Consequences of Spiritual Blindness: Wilful ignorance of God's character and commands can lead to disastrous outcomes, as seen in Pharaoh's eventual ruin.
• God's Unstoppable Plan: Despite human resistance, God's purposes will ultimately prevail. His will to deliver His people and establish His kingdom cannot be thwarted by human defiance (Exodus 14:18).