Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.
11. Therefore they did set over them. The Egyptians devised this remedy for gradually diminishing the children of Israel. Since they are subjects, they may afflict them with burdens, to depress them; and this slavery will weaken and decrease them.
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
Therefore they did set taskmasters over them, to afflict them with their burdens,.... This was the first scheme proposed and agreed on, and was carried into execution, to appoint taskmasters over them; or "princes", or "masters of tribute" (r), commissioners of taxes, who had power to lay heavy taxes upon them, and oblige them to pay them, which were very burdensome, and so afflictive to...