The Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 5:22

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Moses returned unto the Lord. We are not to understand that Moses had forsaken God and now "returned" to him but simply that in his trouble he had recourse to God, took his sorrow to the Throne of Grace, and poured it out before the Almighty A good example truly, and one which Christians in all their trials would do well to follow.

Lord, wherefore, etc. The words, no doubt, are bold. They have been said to "approach to irreverence." But there are parallels to them, which have never been regarded as irreverent, in the Psalms: e.g.

"O God, why hast thou cast us off for ever? Why does thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture?" (Psalms 74:1) "How long wilt thou hide thyself? Where are thy former lovingkindnesses? Wherefore hast thou made all men for nought?"

(Psalms 89:46-49), and the like. Kalisch seems right in saying that "the desponding complaint of Moses was not the result of disbelief or doubt, but the effort of a pious soul struggling after a deeper penetration into the mysteries of the Almighty."

More for Exodus 5:22

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

The Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 5:1-23Exodus 5:1-23 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe people of Jehovah detained and oppressed by the representative of the prince of this world; no doubt as to the strength of the latter—is it possible for his spoils to be wrested from him? The strong man armed has th…Matthew Henry on Exodus 5:10-23Exodus 5:10-23 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryThe Egyptian task-masters were very severe. See what need we have to pray that we may be delivered from wicked men. The head-workmen justly complained to Pharaoh: but he taunted them. The malice of Satan has often repre…Matthew Henry on Exodus 5:15-23Exodus 5:15-23 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleIt was a great strait that the head-workmen were in, when they must either abuse those that were under them or be abused by those that were over them; yet, it should seem, rather than they would tyrannize, they would be…The Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 5:20-23Exodus 5:20-23 · The Pulpit CommentaryMurmuring and faith. The Israelites were naturally sorely disappointed at the issue of the interview with Pharaoh; and with the unreasonableness so often seen in those whose expectations have received a check, they turn…The Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 5:22-23Exodus 5:22-23 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION Exodus 5:22, Exodus 5:23 The two brothers made no reply to the words of the officers. Perhaps their hearts were too full for speech; perhaps they knew not what to say. Whatever faith they had, it did no doubt…

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 5:1-23The people of Jehovah detained and oppressed by the representative of the prince of this world; no doubt as to the strength of the latter—is it possible for his spoils to be wrested from him? The strong man armed has th…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on Exodus 5:10-23The Egyptian task-masters were very severe. See what need we have to pray that we may be delivered from wicked men. The head-workmen justly complained to Pharaoh: but he taunted them. The malice of Satan has often repre…Matthew Henry commentaryMatthew Henry on Exodus 5:15-23It was a great strait that the head-workmen were in, when they must either abuse those that were under them or be abused by those that were over them; yet, it should seem, rather than they would tyrannize, they would be…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 5:20-23Murmuring and faith. The Israelites were naturally sorely disappointed at the issue of the interview with Pharaoh; and with the unreasonableness so often seen in those whose expectations have received a check, they turn…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 5:22-23EXPOSITION Exodus 5:22, Exodus 5:23 The two brothers made no reply to the words of the officers. Perhaps their hearts were too full for speech; perhaps they knew not what to say. Whatever faith they had, it did no doubt…Joseph S. Exell and contributors