Exodus 5:22
And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me?
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֧שָׁב
returned
H7725
וַיָּ֧שָׁב
returned
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
1 of 13
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
יְהוָ֖ה
unto the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לָמָ֤ה
H4100
לָמָ֤ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
הֲרֵעֹ֙תָה֙
wherefore hast thou so evil entreated
H7489
הֲרֵעֹ֙תָה֙
wherefore hast thou so evil entreated
Strong's:
H7489
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
לָעָ֣ם
this people
H5971
לָעָ֣ם
this people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
9 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
לָ֥מָּה
H4100
לָ֥מָּה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
זֶּ֖ה
H2088
Historical Context
Archaeological evidence confirms ancient Egyptian brick-making used straw as binding material. The escalating oppression in verses 6-22 follows documented patterns of ancient slave economies.
Questions for Reflection
- How do impossible expectations create false guilt in modern systems?
- What does this passage teach about systemic injustice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Verse 22 content addresses the systematic oppression through impossible brick quotas. The removal of straw while maintaining production requirements embodies how evil systems break spirits through mathematically impossible demands.