So they ruthlessly made the people of Israel work as slaves
13. And the Egyptians made. Thus Moses informs us that, so far from being induced to kindness by their fears, they were rather hardened, and spurred on to greater cruelty; for the wicked do not perceive that God is against them, when their perverse strivings are unsuccessful; and if this thought ever arises, still the blind impetuosity of their folly hurries them forwards, so that...
Egypt, that happy shelter for Israel, became a house of bondage when a king arose who knew not Joseph. The best service rendered to men is soonest forgotten after death; but if we serve God, our labor will not be lost. Better to work for Him than for men, whose memory fails and gratitude with it.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 1:8-14
And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour. Or with breach (c), with what might tend to break their strength; they laid heavier burdens upon them, obliged them to harder service, used them more cruelly and with greater fierceness, adding to their hard service ill words, and perhaps blows. (c) "in fractione", Cajetan. apud Rivet.