“But Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice?”” Exodus 5:2a
In the previous 2 Chapters, God has appeared to Moses, told him He’s seen the oppression of His People, and wants to use Moses to deliver them. After a very interesting discussion (and argument), he is directed to return to Egypt, meet up with his brother Aaron (who is to be his “mouthpiece”), and gather together the Jewish Elders to explain what God has revealed to them. After showing them the Signs of the Staff and Moses leprous hand, we’re told “the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord was concerned about the sons of Israel and that He had seen their affliction, they bowed low and worshiped.”
So here in Chapter 5, we have Moses and Aaron going to Pharaoh and saying “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel says: ‘Let My people go so that they may celebrate a feast to Me in the wilderness.’” In Today’s Verse above we have Pharaoh’s reaction. You can only imagine the facial expression or tone of voice Pharaoh had while replying. I’m sure he was shocked, maybe even amused, but unwavering in his adamancy! But that Answer – What Arrogance!!!
But this is also all of Mankind’s response to God. As our Creator, God has given Man a summary of His expectations. It is contained in the 10 Commandments. He has written them on every Man’s Heart, as we saw yesterday, and in the days ahead see Him write them on Tablets of Stone (Ch 20). As we survey History, one thing is clear, Mankind has said over and over again, “Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice?” But one day, God would send a Man, who would obey His voice, and then say to the World, “this is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased”! His name is Jesus.