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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 5:2 But Pharaoh replied, "Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/5-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/02_Exo_05_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 5:2 - Pharaoh's First Refusal" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But Pharaoh replied, Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/5-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/5-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/5-1.htm" title="Exodus 5:1">◄</a> Exodus 5:2 <a href="/exodus/5-3.htm" title="Exodus 5:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/exodus/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/exodus/5.htm">New International Version</a> Pharaoh said, &#8220Who is the LORD, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD and I will not let Israel go.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/exodus/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> “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.” <a href="/esv/exodus/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> But Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and moreover, I will not let Israel go.” <a href="/bsb/exodus/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But Pharaoh replied, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go.” <a href="/kjv/exodus/5.htm">King James Bible</a> And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go. <a href="/nkjv/exodus/5.htm">New King James Version</a> And Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, nor will I let Israel go.” <a href="/nasb_/exodus/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and besides, I will not let Israel go.” <a href="/nasb/exodus/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> But Pharaoh said, &#8220Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and besides, I will not let Israel go.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/exodus/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and besides, I will not let Israel go.” <a href="/lsb/exodus/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But Pharaoh said, “Who is Yahweh that I should listen to His voice to let Israel go? I do not know Yahweh, and also, I will not let Israel go.” <a href="/amp/exodus/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, nor will I let Israel go.” <a href="/csb/exodus/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But Pharaoh responded, “Who is the LORD that I should obey him by letting Israel go? I don’t know the LORD, and besides, I will not let Israel go.” <a href="/hcsb/exodus/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But Pharaoh responded, &#8220Who is Yahweh that I should obey Him by letting Israel go? I do not know anything about Yahweh, and besides, I will not let Israel go.&#8221 <a href="/asv/exodus/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Pharaoh said, Who is Jehovah, that I should hearken unto his voice to let Israel go? I know not Jehovah, and moreover I will not let Israel go. <a href="/cev/exodus/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> "Who is this LORD and why should I obey him?" the king replied. "I refuse to let you and your people go!" <a href="/erv/exodus/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should hearken unto his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, and moreover I will not let Israel go. <a href="/gwt/exodus/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Pharaoh asked, "Who is the LORD? Why should I obey him and let Israel go? I don't know the LORD, and I won't let Israel go." <a href="/gnt/exodus/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Who is the LORD?" the king demanded. "Why should I listen to him and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD; and I will not let Israel go." <a href="/isv/exodus/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> Pharaoh said, "Who is the LORD that I should listen to him and let Israel go? I don't know about the LORD, nor will I let Israel go!" <a href="/net/exodus/5.htm">NET Bible</a> But Pharaoh said, "Who is the LORD that I should obey him by releasing Israel? I do not know the LORD, and I will not release Israel!" <a href="/nheb/exodus/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Pharaoh said, "Who is the LORD, that I should listen to his voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and moreover I will not let Israel go." <a href="/wbt/exodus/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/exodus/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But Pharaoh replied, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go.” <a href="/web/exodus/5.htm">World English Bible</a> Pharaoh said, “Who is Yahweh, that I should listen to his voice to let Israel go? I don’t know Yahweh, and moreover I will not let Israel go.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/exodus/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and Pharaoh says, “Who [is] YHWH, that I listen to His voice to send Israel away? I have not known YHWH, and I also do not send Israel away.” <a href="/ylt/exodus/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and Pharaoh saith, 'Who is Jehovah, that I hearken to His voice, to send Israel away? I have not known Jehovah, and Israel also I do not send away.' <a href="/slt/exodus/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Pharaoh will say, Who is Jehovah, whose voice I shall hear to send forth Israel? I knew not Jehovah, and also I shall not send Israel forth.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/exodus/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But he answered: Who is the Lord, that I should hear his voice, and let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go. <a href="/cpdv/exodus/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But he responded: “Who is the Lord, that I should listen to his voice and release Israel? I do not know the Lord, and I will not release Israel.” <a href="/nabre/exodus/5.htm">New American Bible</a> Pharaoh answered, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go.” <a href="/nrsvce/exodus/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD, that I should heed him and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/exodus/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, neither will I let Israel go. <a href="/hpbt/exodus/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Pharaoh said, “Who is LORD JEHOVAH, that I should listen to his voice to send away Israel? I do not know LORD JEHOVAH, neither am I sending out Israel.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/exodus/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Pharaoh said: 'Who is the LORD, that I should hearken unto His voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, and moreover I will not let Israel go.' <a href="/sep/exodus/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Pharao said, Who is he that I should hearken to his voice, so that I should send away the children of Israel? I do not know the Lord, and I will not let Israel go. <a href="/parallel/exodus/5-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=953" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/exodus/5.htm">Pharaoh's First Refusal</a> 1After that, Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.’ ” 2<a href="/hebrew/6547.htm" title="6547: par·‘ōh (N-proper-ms) -- A title of Eg. kings. Of Egyptian derivation; Paroh, a general title of Egyptian kings.">But Pharaoh</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">“Who</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">is the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: ’eš·ma‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">I should obey</a> <a href="/hebrew/6963.htm" title="6963: bə·qō·lōw (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound.">His voice</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">and let Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: lə·šal·laḥ (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">go?</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">I do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏa‘·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">know</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: wə·ḡam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">I will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">let Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: ’ă·šal·lê·aḥ (V-Piel-Imperf-1cs) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">go.”</a> 3“The God of the Hebrews has met with us,” they answered. “Please let us go on a three-day journey into the wilderness to sacrifice to the LORD our God, or He may strike us with plagues or with the sword.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/9-17.htm">Romans 9:17</a> For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” <a href="/ezekiel/29-3.htm">Ezekiel 29:3</a> Speak to him and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Pharaoh king of Egypt, O great monster who lies among his rivers, who says, ‘The Nile is mine; I made it myself.’ <a href="/daniel/3-15.htm">Daniel 3:15</a> Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the statue I have made, very good. But if you refuse to worship, you will be thrown at once into the blazing fiery furnace. Then what god will be able to deliver you from my hands?” <a href="/2_kings/18-35.htm">2 Kings 18:35</a> Who among all the gods of these lands has delivered his land from my hand? How then can the LORD deliver Jerusalem from my hand?” <a href="/2_chronicles/32-15.htm">2 Chronicles 32:15</a> So now, do not let Hezekiah deceive you, and do not let him mislead you like this. Do not believe him, for no god of any nation or kingdom has been able to deliver his people from my hand or from the hand of my fathers. How much less will your God deliver you from my hand!” <a href="/psalms/10-4.htm">Psalm 10:4</a> In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his schemes there is no God. <a href="/psalms/12-4.htm">Psalm 12:4</a> They say, “With our tongues we will prevail. We own our lips—who can be our master?” <a href="/psalms/14-1.htm">Psalm 14:1</a> For the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good. <a href="/psalms/73-11.htm">Psalm 73:11</a> The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?” <a href="/isaiah/36-20.htm">Isaiah 36:20</a> Who among all the gods of these lands has delivered his land from my hand? How then can the LORD deliver Jerusalem from my hand?” <a href="/jeremiah/43-2.htm">Jeremiah 43:2</a> Azariah son of Hoshaiah, Johanan son of Kareah, and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, “You are lying! The LORD our God has not sent you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to reside there.’ <a href="/jeremiah/44-16.htm">Jeremiah 44:16-17</a> “As for the word you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD, we will not listen to you! / Instead, we will do everything we vowed to do: We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and offer drink offerings to her, just as we, our fathers, our kings, and our officials did in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. At that time we had plenty of food and good things, and we saw no disaster. <a href="/john/19-15.htm">John 19:15</a> At this, they shouted, “Away with Him! Away with Him! Crucify Him!” “Shall I crucify your King?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” replied the chief priests. <a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a> But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. <a href="/acts/7-51.htm">Acts 7:51</a> You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.who.<a href="/exodus/3-19.htm">Exodus 3:19</a> And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.<a href="/2_kings/18-35.htm">2 Kings 18:35</a> Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of mine hand?<a href="/2_chronicles/32-15.htm">2 Chronicles 32:15,19</a> Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand? … I know not.<a href="/1_samuel/2-12.htm">1 Samuel 2:12</a> Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.<a href="/john/16-3.htm">John 16:3</a> And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.<a href="/romans/1-28.htm">Romans 1:28</a> And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;neither.<a href="/exodus/3-19.htm">Exodus 3:19</a> And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.<a href="/jeremiah/44-16.htm">Jeremiah 44:16,17</a> As for the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the LORD, we will not hearken unto thee… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/50-8.htm">Besides</a> <a href="/exodus/4-15.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/exodus/4-9.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/exodus/4-9.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/exodus/5-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/exodus/4-16.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/genesis/27-43.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/exodus/5-1.htm">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/exodus/4-15.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/12-37.htm">Besides</a> <a href="/exodus/6-12.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/exodus/6-12.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/exodus/10-10.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/exodus/5-14.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/exodus/5-14.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/exodus/12-24.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/exodus/5-5.htm">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/exodus/15-26.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 5</div>1. <a href="/exodus/5-1.htm">Pharaoh chides Moses and Aaron for their message.</a> 6. <a href="/exodus/5-6.htm">He increases the Israelites' task.</a> 16. <a href="/exodus/5-16.htm">He ignores their complaints.</a> 19. <a href="/exodus/5-19.htm">They cry out to Moses and Aaron.</a> 22. <a href="/exodus/5-22.htm">Moses complains to God.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But Pharaoh replied, Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, is a central figure in the Exodus narrative. His response sets the stage for the ensuing conflict between God and the Egyptian deities. In ancient Egypt, Pharaoh was considered a god-king, embodying divine authority. His reply reflects his perceived supremacy and the challenge to his authority posed by Moses and Aaron.“Who is the LORD Pharaoh's question reveals his ignorance of Yahweh, the God of Israel. In the polytheistic culture of Egypt, where numerous gods were worshiped, the LORD was unknown to Pharaoh. This question underscores the spiritual blindness and arrogance of Pharaoh, who does not recognize the sovereignty of the God of Israel. It also foreshadows the revelation of God's power through the plagues.that I should obey His voice Pharaoh's refusal to obey highlights the theme of rebellion against divine authority. In the ancient Near Eastern context, kings were expected to heed the commands of their gods. Pharaoh's defiance is not just against Moses and Aaron but against the LORD Himself. This sets up a narrative of divine judgment and deliverance.and let Israel go? The demand to release the Israelites is central to the Exodus story. Israel's bondage in Egypt is symbolic of sin and oppression, and their liberation is a type of salvation. The request for freedom is not merely a political or social issue but a theological one, as it involves God's covenant with Abraham and His promise to make Israel a great nation.I do not know the LORD, Pharaoh's ignorance of the LORD is both literal and spiritual. In the biblical narrative, knowing God implies a relationship and acknowledgment of His authority. Pharaoh's statement reflects his spiritual state and sets the stage for God to demonstrate His power and make His name known through the plagues and the eventual Exodus.and I will not let Israel go.” Pharaoh's refusal is a direct challenge to God's command. This obstinacy is a recurring theme in the narrative, leading to the hardening of Pharaoh's heart and the subsequent plagues. It illustrates the conflict between human will and divine purpose, and the lengths to which God will go to fulfill His promises to His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/pharaoh.htm">Pharaoh</a> The ruler of Egypt, representing the epitome of earthly power and authority. His heart is hardened against God, and he refuses to acknowledge the LORD's sovereignty. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant name of God, signifying His eternal, self-existent nature. He is the God of Israel, demanding obedience and worship. 3. <a href="/topical/m/moses_and_aaron.htm">Moses and Aaron</a> God's chosen leaders to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. They are the messengers of God's command to Pharaoh. 4. <a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a> The land where the Israelites are enslaved. It symbolizes oppression and the worldly system opposed to God's will. 5. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> God's chosen people, enslaved in Egypt, representing those who are called to freedom and worship of the true God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/a/acknowledging_god's_sovereignty.htm">Acknowledging God's Sovereignty</a> Pharaoh's question, "Who is the LORD?" reflects a heart that refuses to recognize God's authority. As believers, we must acknowledge God's sovereignty in every aspect of our lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_hard-heartedness.htm">The Danger of Hard-heartedness</a> Pharaoh's refusal to obey God serves as a warning against hardening our hearts. We should remain open and responsive to God's voice. <a href="/topical/g/god's_patience_and_justice.htm">God's Patience and Justice</a> Despite Pharaoh's defiance, God is patient, giving him multiple opportunities to repent. However, God's justice will ultimately prevail. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_obedience.htm">The Call to Obedience</a> Just as Moses and Aaron were obedient to God's command, we are called to faithfully follow God's directives, even in the face of opposition. <a href="/topical/w/witnessing_to_the_world.htm">Witnessing to the World</a> Pharaoh's ignorance of the LORD challenges us to be witnesses of God's truth to those who do not know Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 5</a> <a href="/q/what_did_moses_mean_by_'let_my_people_go'.htm">What did Moses mean by 'Let my people go'?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_pharaoh_deny_knowing_israel's_god.htm">Exodus 5:2: Why would Pharaoh deny any knowledge of Israel’s God if Moses was supposedly raised in the royal court? </a> <a href="/q/benefits_of_studying_theology.htm">Why did God kill Egypt's firstborn children?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_god_kill_egypt's_firstborn.htm">Why did God kill Egypt's firstborn children?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) Who is the Lord?--Heb., Who is Jehovah? If Jehovah was a name, the use of which had been laid aside, as would seem to have been the case by the later chapters of Genesis, and which was revived by the scene at the burning bush, Pharaoh may very probably not have heard of it.That I should obey his voice.--The king means to say, that, whoever Jehovah is, He can have no authority over him, as He is not one of his gods. The Egyptians were accustomed to the idea of local gods, and quite expected every nation to have a deity or several deities of its own; but they regarded the power of each as circumscribed, certainly not extending beyond the race or nation to which the god belonged.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord? Rather, "Who is Jehovah?" Either Pharaoh is actually ignorant, or he pretends to be. The former is possible, since Jehovah was a name but little employed, until the return of Moses to Egypt. The latter, however, is more probable. That I should obey his voice. Why am I to obey his voice? What is your Jehovah to me? What authority has he over me? He is, at best, your god, not mine. I know not Jehovah. I acknowledge him not. He is not within the range of my Pantheon. Neither will I let Israel go, i.e. "nor even, if he were, would I consent to such a request as this from him." The Pharaohs assumed to be themselves gods, on a par with the national gods, and not bound to obey them. <a href="/commentaries/exodus/5-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But Pharaoh פַּרְעֹ֔ה (par·‘ōh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6547.htm">Strong's 6547: </a> Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings replied, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Who מִ֤י (mî) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix is the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel that אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that I should obey אֶשְׁמַ֣ע (’eš·ma‘) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently His voice בְּקֹל֔וֹ (bə·qō·lōw) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6963.htm">Strong's 6963: </a> A voice, sound [and] let Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc go? לְשַׁלַּ֖ח (lə·šal·laḥ) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out I do not לֹ֤א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no know יָדַ֙עְתִּי֙ (yā·ḏa‘·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know the LORD, יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel and וְגַ֥ם (wə·ḡam) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and I will not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no let Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc go.” אֲשַׁלֵּֽחַ׃ (’ă·šal·lê·aḥ) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/5-2.htm">Exodus 5:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/exodus/5-2.htm">Exodus 5:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/exodus/5-2.htm">Exodus 5:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/exodus/5-2.htm">Exodus 5:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/exodus/5-2.htm">Exodus 5:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/5-2.htm">Exodus 5:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/5-2.htm">Exodus 5:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/5-2.htm">Exodus 5:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/5-2.htm">Exodus 5:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/exodus/5-2.htm">Exodus 5:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/exodus/5-2.htm">OT Law: Exodus 5:2 Pharaoh said Who is Yahweh that (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/5-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 5:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 5:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/5-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 5:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 5:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>