For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all.”
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 came speaking in God's name, yet Pharaoh only heaped worse affliction on the people. He expected deliverance to begin at once, but the bondage grew heavier. This was a temptation to him, a stumbling block; yet had he remembered God's word that all the wonders must come first, his objections would have fallen away.
AI summary
Affliction is no sign of God's displeasure, nor prosperity a sign of His favor. The Israelites were in deepest misery while their oppressors flourished; the Grand Turk held more territory than any Christian prince, yet no one calls him blessed. When we come before God, remember we have sinned and deserve only punishment; let our words be few.
AI summary