Exodus 5:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Moses felt deep sorrow, which is a natural response for one witnessing such events; however, he did not succumb to the burden of this pain but remained resolute, even as the occurrences not only failed to align with but even opposed the promises given to him. In his plea to God, he expressed his anguish, saying: “O Lord, why have You placed this people in such suffering? Why did You send me? Since I approached Pharaoh and spoke in Your name, he has only increased the hardships upon this people; yet, You have not rescued Your people.”

The expressions that Moses directs towards the Lord are not filled with rebellion or anger; instead, they reflect a spirit of yearning and supplication, as demonstrated by the Lord's reply. The Lord did not charge Moses with doubt, but rather disclosed the steps he was to take.

The criticism Moses expressed in his dialogue with God, while seemingly severe, does not invoke punishment from the Lord. Instead, the Lord responds with kindness because Moses' words emanated from a faithful and loving spirit, one that was deeply distressed by the suffering of his people. The Lord understood the profound weight of Moses' burden, recognizing the intensity and bitterness of the trials he faced, as well as the humiliation he felt among the Israelites. Moreover, it was particularly painful for Moses, a devoted advocate of Jehovah's sacred name, to witness that name being mocked by the Egyptians and received with skepticism by Israel. For further insight into Moses' dedication to God's name, see Numbers 14:13-19.