Exodus 5:4

KJV

And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714} said {H559} unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses {H4872} and Aaron {H175}, let {H6544} the people {H5971} from their works {H4639}? get {H3212} you unto your burdens {H5450}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king of Egypt answered them, "Moshe and Aharon, what do you mean by taking the people away from their work? Get back to your labor!

Berean Standard Bible

But the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why do you draw the people away from their work? Get back to your labor!”

American Standard Version

And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, loose the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Pharaoh's immediate and contemptuous response to Moses and Aaron's divine appeal marks the direct confrontation between God's chosen deliverers and the unyielding king of Egypt. He dismisses their God-given mandate as a mere disruption of his vital slave labor, viewing them as agitators rather than divine emissaries, thereby setting the stage for the escalating conflict between the sovereign Lord and the defiant earthly ruler.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Moses and Aaron's initial, bold demand to Pharaoh: "Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, 'Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness'" ([Exodus 5:1](/exodus/5-1 "Moses and Aaron's First Plea to Pharaoh")). Pharaoh's response in [Exodus 5:2](/exodus/5-2 "Pharaoh's Ignorance of God") is equally defiant, stating, "Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and moreover, I will not let Israel go." Moses and Aaron then reiterate their plea, emphasizing the potential for plague if they do not go ([Exodus 5:3](/exodus/5-3 "Moses and Aaron's Warning to Pharaoh")). [Exodus 5:4](/exodus/5-4 "Pharaoh's Dismissal of Moses and Aaron") is Pharaoh's direct, dismissive retort to this persistent request, shifting from a theological rejection to a practical accusation of disrupting his economic order. It marks the first direct clash between the divine will, expressed through Moses and Aaron, and the hardened will of Pharaoh, escalating the tension and setting the stage for the subsequent plagues.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a highly centralized, agrarian society dependent on a vast labor force, including enslaved peoples, for monumental building projects, infrastructure, and agricultural production. The Israelites, as described in [Exodus 1:11-14](/exodus/1-11-14 "Israelites' Forced Labor in Egypt"), were subjected to brutal forced labor (corvée labor), building cities like Pithom and Raamses. Pharaoh, as the divine king, was considered a god on earth, the embodiment of order (Ma'at), and the ultimate authority. Any challenge to his decree or the productivity of his workforce would be seen not just as insubordination, but as an affront to the divine order he represented. His concern was purely economic and political: maintaining control over his vital labor supply and preventing any unrest that might undermine his absolute power.

* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 5:4](/exodus/5-4 "Pharaoh's Opposition to God's Will") encapsulates several crucial themes that permeate the book of Exodus. Firstly, it highlights the **clash of authorities**: the sovereign God of Israel versus the self-proclaimed divine authority of Pharaoh. Pharaoh's question, "Wherefore do ye... let the people from their works?" underscores his complete disregard for divine command, viewing it solely as a disruption of his human-controlled system. Secondly, it emphasizes the **dehumanizing nature of oppression and slavery**, where people are reduced to mere labor units, and any cessation of work is seen as an act of rebellion against the oppressor. This sets the stage for God's redemptive act, liberating a people from such bondage, as seen throughout [the Exodus narrative](/exodus/1-15 "The Deliverance from Egypt"). Finally, the verse foreshadows the **escalation of conflict** and the necessity of divine intervention. Pharaoh's immediate and harsh refusal demonstrates the depth of his resistance, signaling that only a display of overwhelming divine power, as detailed in the subsequent chapters of [Exodus](/exodus/7-12 "The Plagues of Egypt"), will achieve Israel's liberation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **King (Hebrew, _melek'_):** (H4428) This term refers to a monarch, a ruler with supreme authority. In the context of Egypt, Pharaoh was not merely a king but considered a divine being, a living god. His use of "king" here emphasizes his absolute, unquestionable power and his perception of himself as the ultimate authority, directly contrasting with the authority of the Lord that Moses and Aaron represent. His words are not a suggestion but an imperial decree.
* **Let (Hebrew, _pâraʻ'_):** (H6544) This archaic English word, derived from the Hebrew root meaning "to loosen," "to expose," or "to dismiss," here means "to hinder," "to stop," or "to cause to cease." Pharaoh is accusing Moses and Aaron of causing the people to abandon or neglect their assigned tasks. It implies a disruption of order, a loosening of control, which from Pharaoh's perspective, is an act of insubordination and chaos.
* **Burdens (Hebrew, _çᵉbâlâh'_):** (H5450) This word refers to "porterage" or "heavy loads," specifically the oppressive and grueling tasks imposed upon the Israelites as slaves. Pharaoh's command, "get you unto your burdens," is a harsh directive, reinforcing the dehumanizing nature of their servitude and his intent to intensify their oppression. It underscores the physical and emotional weight of their bondage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king of Egypt said unto them,"**: This opening clause establishes the direct confrontation. Pharaoh, the supreme ruler of Egypt, addresses Moses and Aaron personally. His words carry the weight of absolute authority and a tone of dismissive contempt, signaling his immediate and unyielding opposition to their request.
* **"Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works?"**: This is a rhetorical question, an accusation rather than a genuine inquiry. Pharaoh charges Moses and Aaron with causing the Israelite laborers to cease or neglect their duties. He views their divine mandate as a mere disruption of his economic and political order, seeing them as rebellious agitators rather than messengers of God. His focus is entirely on the productivity of his slave force, demonstrating his utter disregard for the spiritual or physical well-being of the Hebrews.
* **"get you unto your burdens."**: This is a harsh, imperative command. It can be interpreted in two ways: either Pharaoh is commanding Moses and Aaron themselves, as Hebrews, to return to their (implied) own tasks of forced labor, or more broadly, he is ordering them to cease their interference and allow the people to continue their oppressive work. The "burdens" explicitly refer to the heavy, grueling tasks of their slavery, emphasizing the dehumanizing toil and hardship imposed upon the Israelites. This command underscores Pharaoh's absolute power and his intent to tighten his grip on the Hebrews, intensifying their oppression rather than considering their liberation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Pharaoh, who considers himself divine and all-powerful, is unknowingly setting himself against the true Almighty God, a conflict he is destined to lose. His dismissal of Moses and Aaron as mere troublemakers is ironic given their divine commission and the cataclysmic events that will follow. There is also clear **Antithesis** at play: the contrast between the freedom and rest sought by God's people versus the relentless, oppressive "burdens" imposed by Pharaoh. This highlights the fundamental opposition between God's liberating will and human enslavement. Furthermore, the verse serves as an act of **Foreshadowing**, signaling the intense and protracted struggle that will unfold between God and Pharaoh, culminating in the mighty acts of God that will demonstrate His ultimate sovereignty and power over all earthly rulers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Exodus 5:4](/exodus/5-4 "Pharaoh's Resistance to God's Command") is a pivotal moment, showcasing the foundational conflict between divine authority and human rebellion. Pharaoh's dismissive question and command reveal his utter disregard for the God of Israel, whom he explicitly states he does not know or acknowledge ([Exodus 5:2](/exodus/5-2 "Pharaoh's Ignorance of God")). He perceives Moses and Aaron as mere political agitators, not divine emissaries, thereby setting his will directly against God's. This verse highlights the dehumanizing aspect of slavery, where individuals are reduced to mere labor units, and any attempt to pause or cease work is seen as an act of rebellion against the established, oppressive system. Despite this immediate and harsh refusal, God does not abandon His plan. This initial setback is a prelude to God demonstrating His overwhelming power and faithfulness, reminding us that His purposes will ultimately prevail, even against the strongest human opposition.

* [Exodus 7:3](/exodus/7-3 "God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart") - God declares His intention to harden Pharaoh's heart, indicating that Pharaoh's resistance is part of a larger divine plan to display God's power.
* [Psalm 105:27-38](/psalms/105-27-38 "God's Mighty Acts in Egypt") - This psalm recounts God's powerful interventions against Egypt, demonstrating His sovereignty over Pharaoh and His faithfulness to His covenant people.
* [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Freedom in Christ") - Paul exhorts believers to stand firm in the freedom that Christ has won for them, echoing the theme of liberation from bondage found in the Exodus narrative.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Exodus 5:4](/exodus/5-4 "Pharaoh's Opposition to Deliverance") offers profound insights for believers today. Just as Pharaoh resisted God's clear command, we may encounter significant resistance from worldly systems, authorities, or even personal habits when seeking to follow God's will. Often, spiritual pursuits, calls to ministry, or acts of obedience are deemed "unproductive," a "distraction," or an interruption from what the world values—mirroring Pharaoh's focus on labor over liberation. This verse serves as an early reminder that standing for truth and freedom, whether spiritual or physical, rarely comes without confrontation with entrenched powers. It calls us to courage and steadfastness, knowing that opposition is often a sign that we are indeed challenging the status quo for God's kingdom. Yet, despite this initial setback, God's unwavering persistence in His plan for Israel assures us that His divine purposes will ultimately prevail, even against the strongest opposition, encouraging us to remain steadfast in our own callings and trust in His ultimate victory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I encounter resistance when trying to follow God's will or pursue a spiritual calling?**
* **How do I prioritize God's call over worldly expectations of "productivity" or "burdens" in my own life?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to dismiss or devalue spiritual freedom for myself or others, similar to Pharaoh's focus on material labor?**
* **What does Pharaoh's immediate dismissal teach me about the nature of opposition to God's kingdom?**

### FAQ
**What does "let the people from their works" mean in this context?**

Answer: In the King James Version, the word "let" is used in an older sense meaning "to hinder," "to stop," or "to cause to cease." Therefore, Pharaoh is accusing Moses and Aaron of interrupting or stopping the Israelite people from their forced labor. He sees their request as a direct disruption to his kingdom's productivity and an act of insubordination against his authority.

**Why did Pharaoh react so harshly to Moses and Aaron?**

Answer: Pharaoh's harsh reaction stems from several factors: his absolute power as king, his self-perception as a divine ruler, his complete ignorance and defiant disregard for the God of Israel ([Exodus 5:2](/exodus/5-2 "Pharaoh's Ignorance of God")), and his perception of the Israelites as vital, expendable labor units. He views Moses and Aaron not as divine messengers, but as rebellious agitators attempting to undermine his authority and disrupt the economic stability of his empire by freeing his slave workforce. His response is a defense of his perceived divine right and the established order.

**What is the significance of "burdens" in this verse?**

Answer: The "burdens" (Hebrew: _çᵉbâlâh_) refer explicitly to the heavy, grueling, and oppressive tasks of forced labor imposed upon the Israelites. Pharaoh's command, "get you unto your burdens," is a deliberate act of intensifying their oppression. It signifies the dehumanizing nature of their slavery, where their lives were defined by toil and hardship, as detailed in [Exodus 1:11](/exodus/1-11 "Israelites' Forced Labor"). By sending Moses and Aaron back to these "burdens," Pharaoh underscores his intent to maintain and even increase the Israelites' suffering, rather than granting them any relief or freedom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The confrontation initiated in [Exodus 5:4](/exodus/5-4 "Pharaoh's Opposition to Deliverance") powerfully foreshadows the ultimate deliverance wrought by Jesus Christ. Just as Moses and Aaron confronted Pharaoh, the embodiment of earthly oppression and a type of the forces of darkness, Jesus Christ confronts the spiritual powers of sin, death, and Satan that hold humanity in far greater bondage. Pharaoh's demand for the Israelites to return to their "burdens" mirrors the oppressive weight of sin and the impossible demands of the Law, from which Christ delivers us. He is the true deliverer who, through His perfect life, atoning sacrifice on the cross, and victorious resurrection, leads His people out of spiritual slavery into genuine freedom and rest, fulfilling the Exodus narrative on a cosmic scale. Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), for He has conquered the one who holds the power of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Christ's Victory Over Death")). Through His finished work, He ensures that no earthly ruler or spiritual foe can prevent the liberation He offers, setting us truly free from the curse of the law and the dominion of sin ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law"); [John 8:36](/john/8-36 "The Son Sets You Free")).

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 1:11

Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.

Acts 24:5

For we have found this man [a] pestilent [fellow], and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

Acts 16:20

And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,

Acts 16:21

And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.

Luke 23:2

And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this [fellow] perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.

Jeremiah 38:4

Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt.

Amos 7:10

¶ Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, Amos hath conspired against thee in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words.