What does Exodus 5:18 mean?
Abused, enslaved supervisors (Exodus 1:11, 13–14) have come to Pharaoh protesting their recent beatings (Exodus 5:14–16). They cannot meet their expected production of bricks because they are not being given enough raw materials. However, they now learn that this is no accident (Exodus 5:6–9). They are being punished and abused in retaliation for Moses (Exodus 5:1–3) asking Pharaoh to give them freedom to worship (Exodus 5:17). It's obvious that the problem is not the Israelites' fault, but they will be punished anyway. This sends a message that Egypt will not tolerate talk of freedom.The people realize this is a serious problem (Exodus 5:19). They are subject to punishment, with no chance to avoid it. As Pharaoh planned, the people blame this on Moses and Aaron (Exodus 5:20–21). Just as the Pharaoh hoped, his slaves turn against the men seeking their freedom. Now, the slaves will work in Pharaoh's interests by condemning Moses and Aaron.
Exodus 5:15–23 records the aftermath of Moses and Aaron's first encounter with Egypt's king. Rather than agreeing to let Israel go, the Pharaoh spitefully cut off access to raw materials while demanding that the enslaved people (Exodus 1:13–14) maintain production. This leads to a backlash against Moses and Aaron; the people blame them for making their lives even harder. Moses experiences doubt. He wonders why the situation is worse, not better. The Lord will respond with reassurance (Exodus 6:1).
Moses and Aaron have their first meeting with Egypt's king, the pharaoh. Though they are there to free Israel entirely (Exodus 3:10), they begin with a much less dramatic request: three days to worship their God in the wilderness (Exodus 3:18). Pharaoh refuses. Instead, he spitefully cuts off supply of raw materials—straw—while demanding the same output from the Hebrew slaves. This increases the peoples' burden and gives Pharaoh's taskmasters excuse to abuse them. When the Israelites turn against Moses, he expresses confusion to God.
