Exodus 5:14-16

14Pharaoh’s slave drivers had placed Israelite foremen in charge of the people. The slave drivers beat the foremen and said, “You didn’t finish all the bricks you were ordered to make yesterday or today. Why didn’t you make as many as you used to?”

15Then the Israelite foremen complained to Pharaoh. They asked, “Why are you treating us this way?

16We’re given no straw, and yet we’re told to make bricks. We’re being beaten, but your men are at fault.”