The story begins with their meeting with Pharaoh, which was a necessary step. The fact that Pharaoh agrees to see them is already a kind act on his part. The situation becomes tense when they inform him that the Lord, the God of Israel (1), wants his people to leave Egypt. Pharaoh’s response is typical: Who is this God? Can he have more power than Pharaoh himself? Can the God of slaves dare to give orders to Pharaoh and the divinity he represents? The answer is a clear “no.” This reaction prompts Pharaoh to try to show his dominance over the Israelites and their God (4-18). The Israelites’ attempts to negotiate also fail, only making the oppression worse. This situation leads Moses to pray for intercession (22f), and the Lord responds with a powerful promise: He will confront Pharaoh (6:1).