Exodus 4:22

22 Then say to Pharaoh, ‘This is what the LORD says: Israel is my oldest son.

Exodus 4:22 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 4:22

And thou shall say unto Pharaoh
When arrived in Egypt, and in his presence: thus saith the Lord;
he was to declare to him that he came in his name, and by his orders, and, as an ambassador of his, required the dismission of the children of Israel out of Egypt: Israel [is] my son, [even] my firstborn;
as dear to him as a man's firstborn is, or as his only son: adoption is one of the privileges peculiar to Israel after the flesh, even national adoption, with all the external privileges appertaining to it, ( Romans 9:4 Romans 9:5 ) .

Exodus 4:22 In-Context

20 So Moses took his wife and his children, put them on a donkey, and went back to the land of Egypt. Moses also carried the shepherd's rod from God in his hand.

21 The LORD said to Moses, "When you go back to Egypt, make sure that you appear before Pharaoh and do all the amazing acts that I've given you the power to do. But I'll make him stubborn so that he won't let the people go.

22 Then say to Pharaoh, ‘This is what the LORD says: Israel is my oldest son.

23 I said to you, 'Let my son go so he could worship me.' But you refused to let him go. As a result, now I'm going to kill your oldest son.'"

24 During their journey, as they camped overnight, the LORD met Moses and tried to kill him.