Exodus 5:6-18

6So the same day Pharaoh commanded 1the taskmasters over the people and their 2foremen, saying, 7“You are no longer to give the people straw to make brick as previously; let them go and gather straw for themselves. 8But 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 3lazy, therefore they cry out, ‘4Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ 9Let the labor be heavier on the men, and let them work at it so that they will pay no attention to false words.”

10So 5the taskmasters of the people and their foremen went out and spoke to the people, saying, “Thus says Pharaoh, ‘I am not going to give you any straw. 11You go and get straw for yourselves wherever you can find it, but none of your labor will be reduced.’” 12So the people scattered through all the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw. 13The taskmasters pressed them, saying, “Complete your 6work quota, 7your daily amount, just as when 8you had straw.” 14Moreover, 9the foremen of the sons of Israel, whom Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over them, 10were beaten 11and were asked, “Why have you not completed your required amount either yesterday or today in making brick as previously?”

15Then the foremen of the sons of Israel came and cried out to Pharaoh, saying, “Why do you deal this way with your servants? 16There is no straw given to your servants, yet they keep saying to us, ‘Make bricks!’ And behold, your servants are being beaten; but it is the fault of your own people.” 17But he said, “You are 12lazy, very lazy; therefore you say, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to the Lord.’ 18So go now and work; for you will be given no straw, yet you must deliver the quota of bricks.”