Exodus 5:2
ContextNETBible | But Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord 1 that 2 I should obey him 3 by releasing 4 Israel? I do not know the Lord, 5 and I will not release Israel!” |
XREF | Ex 3:19; 1Sa 2:12; 2Ki 18:35; 2Ch 32:15,19; Job 21:15; Ps 10:4; Ps 12:4; Ps 14:1; Jer 44:16,17; Joh 16:3; Ro 1:28; 2Th 1:8 |
NET © Notes |
1 tn Heb “Yahweh.” This is a rhetorical question, expressing doubt or indignation or simply a negative thought that Yahweh is nothing (see erotesis in E. W. Bullinger, Figures of Speech, 944-45). Pharaoh is not asking for information (cf. 1 Sam 25:5-10). 2 tn The relative pronoun introduces the consecutive clause that depends on the interrogative clause (see GKC 318-19 §107.u). 3 tn The imperfect tense here receives the classification of obligatory imperfect. The verb שָׁמַע (shama’) followed by “in the voice of” is idiomatic; rather than referring to simple audition – “that I should hear his voice” – it conveys the thought of listening that issues in action – “that I should obey him.” sn The construction of these clauses is similar to (ironically) the words of Moses: “Who am I that I should go?” (3:11). 4 tn The Piel infinitive construct here has the epexegetical usage with lamed (ל); it explains the verb “obey.” 5 sn This absolute statement of Pharaoh is part of a motif that will develop throughout the conflict. For Pharaoh, the |