Exodus 4:18-6:9
Dear RTB’ers,
Moses’ first encounter with Pharaoh: Afterward Moses and Aaron went and said to Pharaoh, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Let my people go…’” (v. 5:1a) Actually, the first of many encounters and the first of many rejections by Pharaoh to Moses’ requests. An aside: I’ve wondered if this Pharaoh is Moses’ grandfather. You may recall that it was Pharaoh’s daughter who pulled Moses from the basket in the river (Ex. 2:5) and took him to herself as her son. But now Moses’ is some 80 years old. How old would his grandfather Pharaoh have to be in order to be Moses’ grandfather? Not likely!
Earlier Moses had disputed with God about even taking on the task that he had been given. Today we find him equally displeased with God at Pharaoh’s harsh reaction to his request: Then Moses turned to the LORD and said, “O Lord, why have You done evil to this people? Why did You ever send me? 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.” (vv. 5:22-23) If I’m Moses, I’m thinking, “Isn’t there an easier way? You are God, the Creator and Sustainer of all living things! You can do anything and everything! Why do you trouble me with this mission?” I feel sorry for Moses.
Blessings!
See also: January 18 (2023) / Exodus 4:18-6:30