Contemplative Bible Reading

Exodus 5:2 (New Living Translation)

2 “Is that so?” retorted Pharaoh. “And who is the Lord? Why should I listen to him and let Israel go? I don’t know the Lord, and I will not let Israel go.”

Pharaoh, the most powerful man in this part of the world at this time, is talking to two representatives of dirt-poor slaves. That is amazing in itself that God would arrange such an unlikely meeting.

Moses and Aaron requested that Pharaoh let this huge group of slaves walk out of town to worship their god called Jehovah.

“What?” was the response of Pharaoh. “Let these people go? Are you crazy? Why I haven’t even heard of this god Jehovah. Who is this Jehovah?”

Pharaoh was educated and religious. Pharaoh had learned of many gods in the known world in addition to the dozens of gods in Egypt (the god of the sun, the god of the river, etc.). Pharaoh, however, had not heard of this Jehovah the god of this people called “children of Israel” or “children of Isaac.”

Pharaoh would soon learn of Jehovah. Pharaoh would soon see the all-powerful nature of Jehovah. Pharaoh would soon regret his ignorance.