14. Pharaoh’s slave drivers had placed Israelite foremen in charge of the people. The slave drivers beat the foremen and said, “You didn’t finish all the bricks you were ordered to make yesterday or today. Why didn’t you make as many as you used to?”
15. Then the Israelite foremen complained to Pharaoh. They asked, “Why are you treating us this way?
16. We’re given no straw, and yet we’re told to make bricks. We’re being beaten, but your men are at fault.”
17. “You’re lazy! ⌊Just plain⌋ lazy!” Pharaoh answered. “That’s why you keep saying, ‘Let us go offer sacrifices to the Lord.’
18. Now get back to work! You won’t be given any straw, but you must still make the same number of bricks.”
19. The Israelite foremen realized they were in trouble when they were told, “Don’t make fewer bricks each day than you’re supposed to.”
20. As they left Pharaoh, they found Moses and Aaron waiting for them.
21. So they said, “May the Lord see what you have done and judge you! You have made Pharaoh and his officials hate us. You have given them an excuse to kill us.”
22. Moses went back to the Lord and asked, “Why have you brought this trouble on your people? Why did you send me?
23. Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak for you, he has treated your people cruelly, and you have done nothing at all to rescue your people.”