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.
1. And afterwards Moses and Aaron went in. Moses here begins to set forth how many and how great were the proofs of God’s power displayed in the deliverance of his people. For, since the pride, the madness, and the obstinacy of the king were indomitable, every door was closed, until broken down miraculously, and by various means.
Moses and Aaron come to Pharaoh in mortal peril, bearing a message that wounds both his honor and his profit. Yet they speak boldly in God's name: Let My people go. God will own His people, though poor and despicable, and will plead their cause. The Israelites are slaves, yes, but they are His people.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 5:1-2
And afterwards Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh,.... Whose name, some say, was Cenchres, others Amenophis, according to Manetho and Chaeremon (h); See Gill on Exo 3:10 went into Pharaoh's palace, and being introduced by the proper officer at court for that purpose, addressed him in the following manner: thus saith the Lord God of Israel: as ambassadors of him, who is King...