For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people; neither have you delivered your people at all.
in thy name
Psalm 118:26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
Jeremiah 11:21 Therefore thus saith the LORD of the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, that thou die not by our hand:
John 5:43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
neither hast thou delivered.
Isaiah 26:17,18 Like as a woman with child, that draweth near the time of her delivery, is in pain, and crieth out in her pangs; so have we been in thy sight, O LORD…
Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
Hebrews 10:36,37 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise…
he has brought trouble on this people
Pharaoh's response to Moses' request was to increase the Israelites' burdens, making their slavery even harsher. This phrase captures the immediate consequence of Moses' obedience, which was increased suffering for the Israelites. Historically, this reflects the oppressive nature of Egyptian rule over the Hebrews, who were forced into hard labor. Theologically, it illustrates the spiritual battle between God's purposes and the resistance of worldly powers. This trouble can be seen as a test of faith for both Moses and the Israelites, challenging them to trust in God's ultimate plan.
and You have not delivered Your people in any way.
Moses' lament here is a raw expression of doubt and disappointment. Despite God's promise of deliverance, the situation appears unchanged or even worse. This phrase highlights the theme of divine timing versus human impatience. It also foreshadows the eventual deliverance that God will accomplish, emphasizing that God's ways and timing are often beyond human understanding. This connects to the broader biblical narrative of waiting on God's promises, as seen in the lives of Abraham, Joseph, and later, the anticipation of the Messiah. Moses' words echo the cries of many believers who struggle with the apparent delay of God's intervention.
• Moses recounts the specific moment he obeyed God’s call (see Exodus 3:10; 4:19–21).
• His memory is precise: the trouble began “ever since” that first confrontation (Exodus 5:1).
• Scripture often records servants who face immediate pushback after obedience—think of Elijah before Ahab (1 Kings 18:17) or Jeremiah in the temple court (Jeremiah 26:8–11). God never hides the cost of faithfulness.
• Moses did not act on personal ambition; he came as God’s representative (Exodus 3:14–15).
• Speaking “in Your name” means declaring God’s character and authority (Deuteronomy 18:18–19).
• Jesus frames disciples’ mission the same way: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go…” (Matthew 28:18–19).
• When we obey God’s commission, we carry His reputation with us—success or opposition alike reflects on that name (Acts 9:15–16).
• Pharaoh retaliates by withholding straw and increasing the workload (Exodus 5:6–9).
• The Hebrew slaves feel crushed, and they blame Moses and Aaron (Exodus 5:20–21).
• Oppression often intensifies before deliverance: Israel at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:10–12), Gideon under Midian (Judges 6:2–6), the church under Saul’s persecution (Acts 8:1–4).
• God allows the pressure to expose human helplessness and highlight His rescue (2 Corinthians 1:8–9).
• Moses voices raw frustration, yet he prays honestly—a pattern echoed by David: “O my God, I cry out by day, but You do not answer” (Psalm 22:2).
• Delay does not mean denial; the next verse begins God’s reply: “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh” (Exodus 6:1).
• Throughout Scripture, divine timing refines faith—Abraham waited decades for Isaac (Genesis 21:1–5), and Lazarus remained in the tomb four days before Jesus came (John 11:6, 21).
• God’s deliverance is certain because of His covenant promise (Exodus 6:2–8); the apparent silence is a stage for a greater display of His power (Romans 9:17).
Moses’ lament in Exodus 5:23 captures the tension between prompt obedience and delayed results. He did exactly what God said, spoke under divine authority, and saw the situation worsen. Yet the verse sets the stage for God’s dramatic intervention: Pharaoh’s cruelty will magnify the Lord’s glory, Israel’s despair will deepen their gratitude, and Moses’ honesty will strengthen his reliance on God. When obedience seems to backfire, this passage reminds us that the story is not over; the God who commands also delivers—on His perfect timetable.
Verse 23. - He hath done evil to this people. See above, vers. 7-9, and ver. 14. Pharaoh had increased the burdens of the whole nation, and in this way "done evil" to them. He had also brought the punishment of scourging on a number of the chiefs. Neither hast thou delivered thy people at all. The promised deliverance (Exodus 3:8, 20) had not come - there was no sign of it - the people was suffering under a more cruel bondage than ever.