Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
Pharaoh knows he wrongs the Israelites, yet blames their idleness to justify cruelty without limit. Tyranny needs no justice; it only grows harsher when complained against. His true impiety shows when he burdens them to silence prayers to God, letting Satan work to undermine the Church's faith.
AI summary
Their request is humble and reasonable: only three days to journey into the desert and sacrifice to their God, a common practice among nations. They give Pharaoh the warning that neglecting God's worship will bring judgment upon Israel, and he will lose his laborers. Yet he denies them and falsely charges them with idleness, slandering the servants of God as idle and their words as vain, so he might increase their burdens.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 5:3-9
Pharaoh increases their labor to crush their strength and spirits, leaving no time for rest. He aims to make the promises of Moses and Aaron look like empty lies, determined never to grant the freedom they proclaim.
AI summary