Exodus 5:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Moses and Aaron contended that the Israelites should be released from the land of Egypt as God had summoned them to celebrate a feast. The genuine feast signifies liberation from the bondage of forced labor, yielding to God, and willingly engaging in actions that are pleasing to Him without external coercion, meaning that individuals are free to decide and love what delights Him without duress.

One may ponder how the Almighty communicates to His people about delivering them from Egypt to the Promised Land of Canaan, while informing Pharaoh of their intention to journey into the wilderness for three days to offer sacrifices to Him (Ex. 3:18). It is essential to interpret this as an acknowledgment that, although God was aware of Pharaoh's impending refusal, what was initially stated reflects the outcome contingent upon Pharaoh's compliance. The obstinacy of Pharaoh and his people warranted the unfolding of events as consistently illustrated in Scripture. Thus, God orchestrates circumstances that He knows will be met with resistance from those He directs, allowing for a righteous judgment to ensue.

Moses and Aaron assembled the elders and performed the signs they had been instructed to do. Moses had faith in what the Lord had communicated to him and approached Pharaoh, declaring, “This says the Lord... let my people go, that they may hold a feast for me in the wilderness.”

After the people embraced faith, it was proclaimed, “Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel.”