Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

Exodus 5 Devotional

When Obedience Makes It Worse

“So Moses returned to the LORD and asked, “Lord, why have You brought trouble upon this people? Is this why You sent me?”Exodus 5:22 (BSB)

Moses and Aaron finally stand before Pharaoh with God's message, and nothing goes as hoped. Pharaoh asks who the LORD is that he should obey him, and says flatly that he does not know him (5:2). That same day he stops supplying straw for the bricks but keeps the quota the same (5:7-8). The Israelite foremen are beaten, and they turn on Moses, accusing him of handing Pharaoh a sword to kill them (5:14, 21).

Obeying God has made everything worse. Moses takes the trouble straight to the LORD and asks why God sent him at all, since God has not delivered his people in any way (5:22-23). God's reply comes in the very next verse: now Moses will see what God will do to Pharaoh (6:1). Pharaoh's question about who the LORD is will soon be answered across all of Egypt. A setback does not mean God has abandoned the work. You can bring him your honest why, and then wait to see what he will do.

To think about: What setback, after trying to do what is right, do you need to bring honestly to God today?

About Exodus 5: Bricks Without Straw

Moses and Aaron ask Pharaoh to let Israel go to worship, but Pharaoh refuses, saying he does not know the Lord. He makes the slaves gather their own straw while keeping the same brick quota, the Israelite foremen blame Moses, and Moses complains to the Lord.

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