12. And the people were scattered abroad throughout the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw.
13. And the taskmasters urged them, saying, Fulfil your labours, the daily work, as when there was straw.
14. And the officers of the children of Israel, whom Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and it was said, Why have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick, both yesterday and to-day, as heretofore?
15. Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried to Pharaoh, saying, Why dost thou deal thus with thy bondmen?
16. There is no straw given to thy bondmen, and they say to us, Make brick; and behold, thy bondmen are beaten, but it is the fault of thy people.
17. And he said, Ye are idle, idle! therefore ye say, Let us go and sacrifice to Jehovah.
18. And now go--work! and straw shall not be given you, and ye shall deliver the measure of bricks.
19. And the officers of the children of Israel saw that it stood ill with them, because it was said, Ye shall not diminish anything from your bricks, the daily work.
20. And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood there to meet them, as they came out from Pharaoh.
21. And they said to them, Jehovah look upon you and judge, that ye have made our odour to stink in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his bondmen, putting a sword into their hand to kill us!
22. And Moses returned to Jehovah, and said, Lord, why hast thou done evil to this people? why now hast thou sent me?
23. For ever since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all!