Exodus 5:6

6 So the same day Pharaoh commanded ¹the taskmasters over the people and their ²foremen, saying,

Exodus 5:6 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 5:6

And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the
people
Who were Egyptians, and whom Pharaoh sent for the same day, to give them orders to oppress them yet more and more, so far was he from complying with their request:

[and] their officers;
who were Israelites, and were under the taskmasters, and accountable to them for each man's work that they had the inspection and care of:

saying,
as follows.

Exodus 5:6 In-Context

4 But the king of Egypt said to them, "Moses and Aaron, why do you draw the people away from their work? Get back to your labors!"

5 Again Pharaoh said, "Look, the people of the land are now many, and you would have them cease from their labors!"

6 So the same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters over the people and their foremen, saying,

7 "You are no longer to give the people straw to make brick as previously; let them go and gather straw for themselves.

8 "But the quota of bricks which they were making previously, you shall impose on them; you are not to reduce any of it. Because they are lazy, therefore they cry out, 'Let us go and sacrifice to our God.'

Cross References

• 1. Exodus 1:11; Exodus 3:7; Exodus 5:10, 13, 14
• 2. Ex 5:10, 14, 15, 19