Summary

Moses and Aaron approach Pharaoh to demand the release of the Israelites so they can hold a feast to the Lord in the wilderness. Pharaoh refuses and increases the Israelites' workload, making their lives even more difficult. The Israelites blame Moses and Aaron for their increased suffering, and Moses questions God about the worsening situation.

Key Points

• Moses and Aaron request Pharaoh to let the Israelites go to hold a feast to the Lord in the wilderness (Exodus 5:1).

• Pharaoh refuses, questioning who the Lord is and why he should obey Him (Exodus 5:2).

• Pharaoh accuses the Israelites of being idle and commands that they gather their own straw for brick-making without reducing their daily quota (Exodus 5:7-8).

• The Israelites struggle to meet the increased demands and are beaten by their taskmasters (Exodus 5:14).

• The Israelite officers complain to Pharaoh about the harsh treatment, but Pharaoh remains unyielding (Exodus 5:15-18).

• The officers confront Moses and Aaron, blaming them for their increased suffering (Exodus 5:20-21).

• Moses questions God about why He has allowed the situation to worsen since he began speaking to Pharaoh (Exodus 5:22-23).