Exodus 5:17

"No straw is given to your servants, and they tell us, ‘Make brick!’ and behold, your servants are beaten; but the fault is in your own people.”"

Key Reflection

This verse highlights the harshness Pharaoh imposed on the Israelites by withdrawing necessary resources while still demanding their labor, creating a situation where they were punished for not meeting impossible standards set by an unjust ruler. The fault lies with Pharaoh's oppressive policies, which exacerbated the suffering of his own people despite their efforts to comply.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Ye are idle -The old Egyptian language abounds in epithets which show contempt for idleness. The charge was equally offensive and ingenious; one which would be readily believed by Egyptians who knew how much public and private labors were impeded by festivals and other religious ceremonies. Among the great sins which, according to Egyptian belief, involved condemnation in the final judgment, idleness is twice mentioned.

More from Exodus 5

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