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.
Original Language Analysis
וְאַחַ֗ר
And afterward
H310
וְאַחַ֗ר
And afterward
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
11 of 18
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
12 of 18
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
שַׁלַּח֙
go
H7971
שַׁלַּח֙
go
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
13 of 18
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַמִּ֔י
Let my people
H5971
עַמִּ֔י
Let my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
15 of 18
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Cross References
Exodus 10:9And 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.Acts 4:29And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,Isaiah 25:6And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.Psalms 119:46I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.Exodus 3:18And 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.1 Corinthians 5:8Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.Matthew 10:18And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.Matthew 10:28And 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.Ezekiel 2:6And 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.1 Kings 21:20And 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.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern protocol required approaching kings through formal channels. Moses and Aaron's direct access to Pharaoh suggests their standing as Egyptian-educated leaders. The request to worship in the wilderness follows patterns of religious pilgrimages common in the ancient world.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you witnessed God's authority confronting worldly power structures?
- How does Moses's respectful but firm approach model engaging with hostile authorities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses and Aaron's first confrontation uses the covenant name יְהוָה (YHWH) and the title 'God of Israel,' asserting divine authority over Pharaoh. The request for a three-day journey to 'hold a feast' (חָגַג, chagag) subtly tests Pharaoh's willingness to acknowledge Israel's God. This diplomatic approach demonstrates that hardening comes from Pharaoh's rejection, not arbitrary divine action.