22 Then say to Pharaoh, 'This is what the Lord says: Israel is my firstborn son,
22 And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:
22 Then you shall say to Pharaoh, 'Thus says the Lord, Israel is my firstborn son,
22 Then you are to tell Pharaoh, 'God's Message: Israel is my son, my firstborn!
22 Then you shall say to Pharaoh, 'Thus says the Lord: "Israel is My son, My firstborn.
22 Then you will tell him, 'This is what the Lord says: Israel is my firstborn son.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 4:22
Commentary on Exodus 4:18-23
(Read Exodus 4:18-23)
After God had appeared in the bush, he often spake to Moses. Pharaoh had hardened his own heart against the groans and cries of the oppressed Israelites; and now God, in the way of righteous judgment, hardens his heart against the teaching of the miracles, and the terror of the plagues. But whether Pharaoh will hear, or whether he will forbear, Moses must tell him, Thus saith the Lord. He must demand a discharge for Israel, Let my son go; not only my servant, whom thou hast no right to detain, but my son. It is my son that serves me, and therefore must be spared, must be pleaded for. In case of refusal I will slay thy son, even thy first-born. As men deal with God's people, let them expect so to be dealt with.