Definition: And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou [so] evil entreated this people? why [is] it [that] thou hast sent me?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 5:22. It’s a really important and somewhat complex verse in the Bible! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core of the Verse: “And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou [so] evil entreated this people? why [is] it [that] thou hast sent me?” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: 1. "And Moses returned unto the LORD..." - This tells us that Moses was back to God after a difficult time. It signifies a moment of reflection and perhaps some disappointment. 2. "...and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou [so] evil entreated this people?" – This is the heart of the question. “Evil entreated” means that God has been treating the people unfairly or harshly. 3. "Why [is] it [that] thou hast sent me?” - This is the real question. Moses is asking why God chose to send him into a situation where he’s causing hardship and suffering. He's questioning the purpose of his mission. What does this verse suggest? This verse paints a picture of a difficult situation for Moses: He was leading the Israelites out of Egypt. This is a huge deal! It was a pivotal moment in Jewish history. The people were being treated unfairly. The verse implies that God wasn't allowing the Israelites to live as they should, or fulfilling their purpose. They were being subjected to hardship and perhaps even oppression. Important Context: This passage is crucial because it’s before the story of the Ten Commandments. Moses was essentially leading the people to freedom – a monumental achievement. But God seemed to be actively working against this freedom, causing trouble for the Israelites. Overall Meaning: The verse expresses a sense of frustration and questioning from Moses. It's a moment where he realizes that his mission might not be as straightforward or fulfilling as he initially expected. It’s a key step in the story leading up to the creation of the Ten Commandments – because Moses begins to understand God's plan is more complicated than simply freeing people. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with some biblical context? Discuss the possible interpretations of this passage from different theological perspectives?