Exodus 5:12-14

The Message

^10-12 The slave-drivers and their underlings went out to the people with their new instructions. “Pharaoh’s orders: No more straw provided. Get your own straw wherever you can find it. And not one brick less in your daily work quota!” The people scattered all over Egypt scrambling for straw.

¹³ The slave-drivers were merciless, saying, “Complete your daily quota of bricks—the same number as when you were given straw.”

¹⁴ The Israelite foremen whom the slave-drivers had appointed were beaten and badgered. “Why didn’t you finish your quota of bricks yesterday or the day before—and now again today?”