1. Exodus 5:20–21 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Whom do the foremen blame?

Exodus 5:20–21 (ESV)

20 They met Moses and Aaron, who were waiting for them, as they came out from Pharaoh;

The foremen blame Moses and Aaron, who are waiting for them at the palace. They do not believe that their message comes from God but wish them God’s punishment. In fact, they join the Pharaoh’s disbelief (see Exodus 5:9). We do not read that they complain about their distress to God (unlike Moses, Exodus 5:22). That they ask Pharaoh for better working conditions is fine, but they do not see the spiritual battle between Pharaoh (as an instrument of the devil) and God’s people.