What does Exodus 5:17 mean?
But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the LORD. Exodus 5:17
Explanation
The verse in question, Exodus 5:17, is a response from the Pharaoh to Moses and Aaron’s demand that the Israelites be allowed to go into the wilderness to sacrifice to their God. Pharaoh’s retort, “Ye are idle, ye are idle,” accuses the Israelites of laziness, suggesting that their desire to worship is simply an excuse to shirk their duties as slaves. This verse reflects the ongoing conflict between Moses and Pharaoh, where Moses is advocating for the spiritual and physical freedom of his people, and Pharaoh is resisting any change to the status quo that would diminish his workforce and thus his power and wealth.
Historical Context
Exodus 5:17 is situated in the context of the bondage of the Israelites in Egypt. Moses and Aaron, under God’s command, have approached Pharaoh to request that the Israelites be allowed to leave Egypt so that they can serve Yahweh. This period is traditionally dated to around the 13th century BCE, though the exact chronology is a subject of debate among scholars. The request for time off to perform a religious duty is met with skepticism and hostility by Pharaoh, who sees it as a threat to the economic structure that relies on the Israelites’ forced labor.
Theological Insights
This verse captures a classic struggle between a monotheistic faith and a polytheistic ruler. From a Jewish and Christian theological perspective, it highlights the idea of God as a liberator who demands the release of His people from bondage, opposing the oppressive rule of Pharaoh. In contrast, Pharaoh’s response represents the dismissal of their God and an assertion of his own divine authority as an Egyptian king, treating the request as frivolous and a reflection of laziness.
Practical Applications
The practical application of this verse is broad. It can serve as a reminder of the importance of religious observance and the legitimacy of seeking time for spiritual activities. It can also be viewed as a critique of those in power who might demean or delegitimize the religious or cultural practices of certain groups for their own benefit.
Cross-References
- Exodus 5:1 – “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.”
- Exodus 6:6 – “Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians…”
- Exodus 7:16 – “And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness…”
Language Study
In the original Hebrew, the key word “idle” (רַפֶּה, ra•peh) suggests laxity or slackness. Its repetition emphasizes Pharaoh’s accusation of laziness. When Pharaoh says “therefore ye say,” the word “say” (תֹּאמְרוּ, to•m’ru) can also mean “to think or to intend,” adding a dimension that Pharaoh might be implying they are inventing excuses to avoid labor.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
Comparisons can be drawn between this account and other ancient myths where deities interact with rulers. In many ancient cultures, rulers would justify their power by invoking divine sanction, much like Pharaoh did. However, the narrative in Exodus is unique in how it challenges the ruler’s divine claims with the authority of a single, all-powerful God who sides with the oppressed.
Scientific Perspectives
While the interaction between Moses, Aaron, and Pharaoh has a rich theological significance, it is not readily subject to scientific analysis. However, the study of ancient Egyptian labor practices and the historical accuracy of the Exodus narrative is a multidisciplinary field involving archaeology, Egyptology, and cultural anthropology.
Commentaries
Different scholars and theologians offer various insights into Exodus 5:17. Traditional Jewish commentaries, like Rashi, might focus on Pharaoh’s hard-heartedness and the suffering of the Israelites. Christian commentaries, such as Matthew Henry’s, might emphasize the spiritual steadfastness of Moses and Aaron in the face of Pharaoh’s resistance. More critical scholars might discuss the story’s literary and historical aspects, questioning the historical basis of the account and its function within the broader narrative of Exodus.
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