“And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.”
Exodus 5:2
In this single, defiant verse, the most powerful man on earth openly challenges the authority of the God of heaven. Pharaoh’s question was not born of curiosity, but of arrogance. It is the ancient rebellion of the human heart that seeks self-rule over divine lordship. Today, we confront the truth that this challenge is not Pharaoh’s alone it is one every generation, and every soul, must answer.
I. The Question of Defiance: “Who is the LORD…?”
Beloved, Pharaoh’s question exposes a heart that refuses to acknowledge God’s sovereignty. He places himself as the final authority, deciding who is worthy of his obedience. In modern terms, this defiance sounds like: “I don’t need God to tell me how to live,” or “My plans matter more than His will.”
The Psalmist declares:
“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” Psalm 14:1a
This is not always verbal denial, but practical atheism living as though God has no claim over our lives. Pharaoh’s words echo this foolish posture.
II. The Refusal of Obedience: “…that I should obey him…”
Child of God, obedience is the rightful response to true authority. Pharaoh’s refusal was a declaration of independence from God’s rule. This is the very root of sin preferring our will above God’s, choosing our path instead of His purpose.
The Apostle Paul lamented:
“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” Romans 1:21
This is the tragic progression that begins with defiance and ends in spiritual darkness.
III. The Rejection of Relationship: “…I do not know the LORD…”
In Scripture, to know goes beyond awareness; it speaks of covenant, intimacy, and submission. Pharaoh was not ignorant he was willfully rejecting relationship with the true God. Instead, he preferred the false gods of Egypt, gods he could manipulate and control.
Yet God’s verdict is final:
“That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” Isaiah 45:23
This is heaven’s answer to human arrogance. God will be acknowledged either willingly in grace or unwillingly in judgment.
IV. The Clinging to Control: “…and I will not let Israel go.”
Peculiar people, Pharaoh’s final statement reveals the heart of control. Israel represented his labor, his wealth, and his power. Letting go meant loss. In the same way, our “Israel” is anything God demands that we surrender a sin, a habit, a relationship, our finances, or our pride that we stubbornly hold onto, declaring, “I will not let it go.”
But the Spirit testifies:
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:10–11
The defiance of Pharaoh and of every human heart finds its final answer at the cross, where Jesus Christ is revealed as Supreme Lord, calling us not merely to acknowledge Him, but to know Him, obey Him, and surrender fully to Him.
Pharaoh asked, “Who is the LORD?”
The rest of Exodus is God’s undeniable response.
Today, the question is no longer who the Lord is, but whether He is your Lord. Will you move from defiance to surrender, from rejection to relationship, and from control to obedient faith?
Brethren, the choice is yours.
JESUS IS LORD!!!
Prayer
Father Lord, I repent of every form of defiance, self-rule, and resistance to Your authority. I surrender my will, my plans, and everything You have asked me to release. Let my heart know You truly, obey You willingly, and glorify You completely, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Declaration (Single Declaration)
I declare that Jesus Christ is Lord over my life. I choose obedience over rebellion, surrender over control, and relationship over resistance. My life is submitted to God, and His will shall prevail in me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
