So the Israelite foremen went and appealed to Pharaoh: “Why are you treating your servants this way?
The foremen faced a cruel bind: obey their taskmasters or protect those beneath them. Rather than tyrannize, they chose to suffer it themselves. They petitioned Pharaoh as they ought, yet their complaint only worsened their lot. Pharaoh mocked them for idleness while beating them senseless, calling their sacred obedience to God slothfulness toward his work. Men judge by appearance; God judges the heart.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 5:15-23
The officers came weeping to Pharaoh, supposing he knew nothing of their mistreatment and hoped he would redress it. They called themselves his servants, bound by his law, though he had reduced them to slaves. They were mistaken about his innocence in the matter.
AI summary
When the Israelite overseers complained of being beaten, Pharaoh answered with scorn: 'You are idle, idle; that is why you say, Let us go sacrifice to the Lord.' He blames them for laziness while his own demand made the work impossible, and he scorns their God as the source of their sloth.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 5:14-18