Exodus 5:17

"You are slackers!" Pharaoh replied. "Slackers! That is why you keep saying, 'Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD.'

Study Bible

“You are slackers!” Pharaoh replied.
Pharaoh's accusation of the Israelites as "slackers" reflects his perception of their request to worship as an excuse to avoid work. In the ancient Egyptian context, the Israelites were enslaved and expected to meet rigorous labor demands. Pharaoh's response reveals his hardened heart and lack of understanding of the Israelites' spiritual needs. This accusation also highlights the oppressive conditions under which the Israelites lived, emphasizing their need for deliverance. The term "slackers" underscores Pharaoh's dismissive attitude towards their plight, contrasting with God's compassion and plan for their freedom.

“Slackers! That is why you keep saying, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD.’”
The repetition of "slackers" emphasizes Pharaoh's contempt and disbelief in the sincerity of the Israelites' request. The phrase "Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD" is significant as it represents the Israelites' desire to fulfill their covenantal obligations to God, which Pharaoh neither respects nor understands. This request is rooted in the cultural and religious practices of the time, where sacrifices were a central aspect of worship. The insistence on sacrificing to the LORD highlights the Israelites' identity as God's chosen people, set apart for His purposes. This narrative foreshadows the eventual Exodus, where God demonstrates His power over Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt, affirming His sovereignty and faithfulness to His promises.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, representing the oppressive power and authority that resists God's will. His heart is hardened against the Israelites and their God.

2. Moses and Aaron
God's chosen leaders to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. They are the ones who convey God's command to Pharaoh.

3. Israelites
The people of God who are enslaved in Egypt. They are suffering under harsh labor and are seeking deliverance.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved. It symbolizes a place of bondage and opposition to God's purposes.

5. Sacrifice to the LORD
The request made by Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh, representing the Israelites' desire to worship and serve God freely.

Teaching Points

The Nature of Oppression
Pharaoh's accusation of laziness highlights how oppressors often dismiss legitimate spiritual needs and demands for freedom. Believers should be aware of how worldly systems can resist God's purposes.

The Cost of Obedience
Moses and Aaron's persistence in the face of Pharaoh's accusations teaches us the importance of steadfastness in obeying God's commands, even when faced with opposition.

Spiritual Warfare
Pharaoh's resistance is a reminder of the spiritual battle believers face. Just as Pharaoh resisted God's will, we must be prepared for spiritual resistance in our own lives.

The Importance of Worship
The request to sacrifice to the LORD underscores the centrality of worship in the life of God's people. Worship is not just a ritual but a declaration of allegiance to God.

Trust in God's Deliverance
Despite Pharaoh's harsh response, the account encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate plan for deliverance and freedom.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Pharaoh's response in Exodus 5:17 reflect the nature of worldly opposition to God's commands?

2. In what ways can believers today face similar accusations or misunderstandings when prioritizing their faith?

3. How does the request to "sacrifice to the LORD" in Exodus 5:17 relate to the broader theme of worship in the Bible?

4. What can we learn from Moses and Aaron's persistence in their mission, and how can we apply this to our own spiritual journeys?

5. How does the hardening of Pharaoh's heart serve as a warning for us in our relationship with God, as seen in other scriptures like Hebrews 3:7-19?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 3:18
God instructs Moses to ask Pharaoh to let the Israelites go to worship Him, showing the divine origin of the request.

Exodus 7:14-16
Pharaoh's continued hardening of heart and refusal to let the Israelites go, leading to the plagues.

Hebrews 3:7-19
The hardening of hearts as a warning to believers, drawing a parallel to Pharaoh's resistance to God's command.