And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.
The king of Egypt said to them, 'Moses and Aaron, why are you taking the people away from their work? Go back to your own jobs!'
The writer is showing how Pharaoh rejected Moses and Aaron's request and ordered them to stop interfering with the Israelites' forced labor.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of Exodus, Moses and Aaron had been commissioned by God to approach Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, and demand the freedom of the Israelites who were enslaved and forced into hard labor. Pharaoh's response in this verse reflects his hardened heart and concern for maintaining his empire's productivity, as he accuses Moses and Aaron of disrupting the workforce and tells them to return to their own duties. This encounter sets the stage for the series of plagues that God would use to demonstrate His sovereignty and ultimately liberate His people from bondage.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.