Exodus 5:19

19 Then the officers of the sons of Israel saw that they were afflicted after it was said, Ye shall not diminish any from the bricks of your daily quota.

Exodus 5:19 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 5:19

And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they
were in evil case
In a bad condition and circumstances, and that there was no likelihood of their getting out of them, since Pharaoh treated them after this manner; they saw not only that the common people were in a bad condition, in great bondage, misery, and distress, to be obliged to get straw to make brick, and carry in their full tale as before; but that they themselves were in a bad situation, since for the deficiency in their people they were like to be beaten for it from time to time:

after it was said, ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your
daily task;
after this had been said and confirmed by Pharaoh, they had no hope of things being better with them, but looked upon their unhappy lot as irretrievable.

Exodus 5:19 In-Context

17 And he replied, Ye are idle, ye are idle, therefore ye say, Let us go and sacrifice unto the LORD.

18 Go therefore now and work, for no firewood shall be given you, yet ye shall deliver the tally of bricks.

19 Then the officers of the sons of Israel saw that they were afflicted after it was said, Ye shall not diminish any from the bricks of your daily quota.

20 And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh;

21 and they said unto them, The LORD look upon you and judge because ye have made our savour to be a stench before Pharaoh and his slaves, putting a sword in their hands to slay us.