Then Moses turned to the LORD and said, “O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me?
Moses returns to God not in prayer but in disgust, wanting out of his commission entirely. He had been warned of Pharaoh's hardness and promised deliverance by God's mighty hand, yet now he accuses God of slack redemption, forgetting what he once knew well. This happens to us all: the doctrine of faith that shines in peace vanishes the moment serious trouble comes.
AI summary
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
Moses went to God by prayer as he was accustomed in cases of difficulty. He was right to ascribe the affliction to God, for all afflictions come from Him and He has wise reasons for them, to test faith, to make the Egyptians odious to His people, and to show His power in deliverance from extremity. Yet Moses wished himself recalled, seeing no good had come of his sending.
AI summary