2
But he answered: Who is the Lord, that I should hear his voice, and let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go.
3
And they said: The God of the Hebrews hath called us, to go three days’ journey into the wilderness, and to sacrifice to the Lord our God; lest a pestilence or the sword fall upon us.
4
The king of Egypt said to them: Why do you Moses and Aaron draw off the people from their works? Get you gone to your burdens.
5
And Pharao said: The people of the land are numerous; you see that the multitude is increased; how much more if you give them rest from their works?
6
Therefore he commanded the same day the overseers of the works, and the task-masters of the people, saying:
7
You shall give straw no more to the people to make brick, as before; but let them go and gather straw.
8
And you shall lay upon them the task of bricks, which they did before; neither shall you diminish any thing thereof, for they are idle, and therefore they cry. saying: Let us go and sacrifice to our God.
9
Let them be oppressed with works, and let them fulfil them; that they may not regard lying words.
10
And the overseers of the works, and the taskmasters, went out and said to the people: Thus saith Pharao: I allow you no straw;
11
Go, and gather it where you can find it; neither shall any thing of your work be diminished.
12
And the people was scattered through all the land of Egypt to gather straw.