Exodus 5:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Go now and work. No straw will be given you, but you must still deliver the same number of bricks."

NIV: Now get to work. You will not be given any straw, yet you must produce your full quota of bricks."

NASB: So go now and work; for you will be given no straw, but you must deliver the quota of bricks.'

CSB: Now get to work. No straw will be given to you, but you must produce the same quantity of bricks."

NLT: Now get back to work! No straw will be given to you, but you must still produce the full quota of bricks.'

KJV: Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks.

NKJV: Therefore go now and work; for no straw shall be given you, yet you shall deliver the quota of bricks.”

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.

Moses encountered the Lord (Exodus 3:4–6) during his exile (Exodus 2:15). God commanded Moses to return to Egypt and demand the freedom of the nation of Israel (Exodus 4:21–23). The people had come into Egypt in the days of Joseph (Exodus 1:1–7). Later, they fell into slavery and oppression (Exodus 1:13–14). The first request, in this chapter, is not received well. God will soon bring disasters on Egypt and its stubborn ruler (Exodus 3:10) until His peo-ple are finally released (Exodus 12:41).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 7/1/2025 11:16:34 AM