Holly Bible - KJV with Concise Commentaries by Z Selam - HTML preview
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with the honour that cometh from God, which is the true honour.
That Pharaoh's obstinacy might be no surprise nor discouragement to him, God tells him before that he would harden his heart. Pharaoh had hardened his own heart against the groans and cries of the oppressed Israelites, and shut up the bowels of his compassion from them; and now God, in a way of righteous judgment, hardens his heart against the conviction of the miracles, and the terror of the plagues. Note, Ministers must expect with many to labour in vain: we must not think it strange if we meet with those who will not be wrought upon by the strongest arguments and fairest reasonings; yet our judgment is with the Lord.
22 And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my
son, even my firstborn:
23 and I say unto thee, let my son go, that he may serve me: and if
thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.
Words are put into his mouth with which to address Pharaoh, Ex 4:22, 23. God had promised him (Ex 4:12), I will teach thee what thou shalt say; and here he does teach him.
(1.) He must deliver his message in the name of the great Jehovah: Thus saith the Lord; this is the first time that preface is used by any man which afterwards is used so frequently by all the prophets: whether Pharaoh will hear, or whether he will forbear, Moses must tell him, Thus saith the Lord.
(2.) He must let Pharaoh know Israel's relation to God, and God's concern for Israel. Is Israel a servant? Is he a home-born slave? Jer 2:14. "No, Israel is my son, my firstborn, precious in my sight, honourable, and dear to me, not to be thus insulted and abused."
(3.) He must demand a discharge for them: "Let my son go; not only my servant whom thou hast no right to detain, but