14. They whipped the Israelites who were in charge of the people. Those Israelites had been appointed by Pharaoh's slave drivers. The slave drivers asked, "Why didn't you make the same number of bricks yesterday or today, just as before?"
15. Then the Israelites who were in charge of the people made their appeal to Pharaoh. They asked, "Why have you treated us like this?
16. You didn't give us any straw. But you told us, 'Make bricks!' We are being whipped. But it's the fault of your own people."
17. Pharaoh said, "You just don't want to work! That's why you keep saying, 'Let us go. We want to offer sacrifices to the Lord.'
18. Now get to work. We won't give you any straw. But you still have to make the same number of bricks."
19. The Israelites who were in charge of the people realized they were in trouble. They knew it when they were told, "Don't lower the number of bricks you are required to make each day."
20. When they left Pharaoh, they found Moses and Aaron waiting to meet them.
21. They said to Moses and Aaron, "We want the Lord to look at what you have done! We want him to judge you for it! We are like a very bad smell to Pharaoh and his officials. You have given them an excuse to kill us with their swords."
22. Moses returned to the Lord. He said to him, "Lord, why have you brought trouble on these people? Is this why you sent me?