When they left Pharaoh, they confronted Moses and Aaron, who stood waiting to meet them.
20. And they met Moses. Some translate it, In saying “some translate,” C. is again adverting to S.M., but has rather chosen, with our A.V., to follow the LXX. and Vulgate. — W. “they met together with Moses,” taking the particle את, eth, for “together with;” but it is more in accordance with the context that the officers and some part of the elders or...
The foremen faced a cruel bind: obey their taskmasters or protect those beneath them. Rather than tyrannize, they chose to suffer it themselves. They petitioned Pharaoh as they ought, yet their complaint only worsened their lot. Pharaoh mocked them for idleness while beating them senseless, calling their sacred obedience to God slothfulness toward his work. Men judge by appearance; God judges the heart.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 5:15-23
And they met Moses and Aaron,.... The officers of the children of Israel, who had been with their complaints to Pharaoh: who stood in the way as they came forth from Pharaoh; they, had placed themselves in a proper situation, that they might meet them when they came out, and know what success they had, and which they were extremely desirous of hearing; by which...