Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 5:4. It’s a really important and slightly surprising verse in the story of the Israelites’ escape from Egypt. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Israel is in a difficult position: The Israelites are still enslaved by the Egyptians, who have taken them into slavery. They’re struggling to survive and want to return home to their own land. King Ramses is making demands: King Ramses, the ruler of Egypt, is telling the Israelites, “You two – Moses and Aaron – you must stop the people from working.” What's the Meaning? This verse isn’t about a simple command to stop work. It’s a bit more symbolic. Here’s what it suggests: God's Plan is Working: The Egyptians are trying to control the Israelites, and this verse highlights that God is actively working despite their efforts to enslave them. A Test of Faith & Obedience: Moses and Aaron were chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This command from Ramses is a test – a challenge to see how the Israelites will respond to God’s will. It's asking if they will continue to obey his instructions, even when it's hard. God’s Purpose is Revealed: The Egyptians are trying to manipulate the Israelites into being productive and working for them. But God is showing Moses and Aaron that He wants them to focus on their mission – escaping Egypt and returning home to their own land. Think of it like this: Imagine a farmer who's been told to plant crops, but the farmer doesn’t want to. The farmer might refuse to work, and the farmer's efforts are thwarted. This verse is similar - God is testing the Israelites to see if they will follow His plan, even when it's inconvenient for them. In essence, this verse emphasizes that God is actively working despite obstacles, and that obedience to His will is crucial. --- Do you have any specific questions about this passage? Would you like me to: Explain a particular aspect of the story more deeply? Provide context for the time it was written in?