What does Exodus 5:21 mean?
"And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us." - Exodus 5:21

Exodus 5:21 (KJV) states, "And they said unto them, The Lord look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savor to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us."
This verse falls within the larger context of the book of Exodus, which details the Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land. In this specific verse, the Israelite foremen are expressing their frustration and fear to Moses and Aaron after Pharaoh increases their workload and punishes them for requesting time off to worship their God.
One of the key themes that can be found in this verse is the theme of suffering and persecution. The Israelites, who have been enslaved by the Egyptians for generations, are experiencing deep suffering and oppression. Pharaoh's harsh treatment and refusal to let them go leads to a mounting sense of despair and hopelessness among the Israelites. This verse reflects the psychological and emotional toll that oppression and unjust treatment can have on a community.
Another important theme in this verse is the theme of faith and trust in God. Despite their despair and fear, the Israelite foremen still turn to the Lord for comfort and justice. They express their belief that the Lord will see their suffering and judge those who have mistreated them. This demonstrates the deep faith and reliance on God that the Israelites maintained even in the face of extreme adversity.
In terms of symbolism, this verse can be seen as a representation of the broader struggle for justice and liberation. The Israelites' plea for the Lord to judge their oppressors reflects the universal human desire for justice in the face of oppression. It can also be seen as a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is hope in the justice and righteousness of God.
In a broader historical and cultural context, this verse serves as a reflection of the experience of many marginalized and oppressed communities throughout history. The Israelites' suffering and cry for justice can resonate with the experiences of many groups who have faced persecution and discrimination. It serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for justice and compassion for those who are suffering.
In conclusion, Exodus 5:21 (KJV) is a powerful and poignant verse that speaks to the themes of suffering, faith, and justice. It serves as a reminder of the deep emotional and psychological impact of oppression and the enduring hope and faith in God's justice. It also serves as a call to action for all those who hear it to stand with and advocate for those who are suffering and oppressed.
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Exodus 5:21 Artwork
Exodus 5:21 - "And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us."
"And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us." - Exodus 5:21
Exodus 21:5 - "And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free:"
Exodus 14: 21
Exodus 14: 21
Exodus 15:21
Exodus 21:21 - "Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money."
Exodus 27:19-21
Exodus 6:21 - "¶ And the sons of Izhar; Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri."
"And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free:" - Exodus 21:5
Exodus 21:25 - "Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe."
Exodus 15:5
Isaiah 5:21
Isaiah 5:21
The Plague of Darkness - Exodus 10:21-29
The Plague of Darkness - Exodus 10:21-29
The Plague of Darkness - Exodus 10:21-29
The Plague of Darkness - Exodus 10:21-29
The Plague of Darkness - Exodus 10:21-29
Exodus 22:5
Exodus 22:5
Exodus 22:5
The Plague of Darkness - Exodus 10:21-29
The Plague of Darkness - Exodus 10:21-29
Exodus 21:24 - "Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,"
Exodus 21:1 - "Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them."
The Plague of Darkness - Exodus 10:21-29
The Plague of Darkness - Exodus 10:21-29
The Plague of Darkness - Exodus 10:21-29
Exodus 21:23 - "And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,"