Exodus 5:19

19 The foremen of the people of Israel saw that they were in evil plight, when they said, "You shall by no means lessen your daily number of bricks."

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 But he said, "You are idle, you are idle; therefore you say, 'Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD.'

18 Go now, and work; for no straw shall be given you, yet you shall deliver the same number of bricks."

19 The foremen of the people of Israel saw that they were in evil plight, when they said, "You shall by no means lessen your daily number of bricks."

20 They met Moses and Aaron, who were waiting for them, as they came forth from Pharaoh;

21 and they said to them, "The LORD look upon you and judge, because you have made us offensive in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants, and have put a sword in their hand to kill us."