Thematic Bible: Egyptians to the israelites

And Pharaoh commanded the same day unto the taskmasters over the people and unto the officers, saying, "See that ye give the people no more straw to make brick withal, as ye did in time past: let them go and gather them straw themselves. And the number of bricks which they were wont to make in time past, lay unto their charge also, and minish nothing thereof. For they be idle and therefore cry, saying, 'Let us go and do sacrifice unto our God.' read more.
They must have more work laid upon them, that they may labour therein, and then will they not turn themselves to false words." Then went the taskmasters of the people and the officers out and told the people, saying, "Thus sayeth Pharaoh, "I will give you no more straw, but go yourselves and gather you straw where ye can find it, yet shall none of your labour be minished.'" Then the people scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt for to gather them stubble to be instead of straw. And the taskmasters hasted them forward, saying, "Fulfill your work day by day, even as when straw was given you." And the officers of the children of Israel which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten. And it was said unto them, "Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick, both yesterday and today, as well as in times past?" Then went the officers of the children of Israel and complained unto Pharaoh saying, "Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants? There is no straw given unto thy servants, and yet they say unto us, 'make brick.' And lo, thy servants are beaten, and thy people is foul intreated." And he answered, "Idle are ye idle, and therefore ye say, 'Let us go and do sacrifice unto the LORD.' Go therefore and work, for there shall no straw be given you, and yet see that ye deliver the whole tale of brick."