And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore?
Read it in contextBricks and Straw
Start reading at Exodus 5:6 (Exodus 5:6 to Exodus 5:14).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Israel's bondage and God's commission to Moses establish the need for deliverance and introduce the confrontation with Pharaoh.
5:6And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying,
5:7Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves.
5:8And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God.
5:9Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
5:10And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw.
5:11Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished.
5:12So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw.
5:13And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw.
5:14And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore?
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Who
Who wrote the book? Moses is the traditional author. Exodus explicitly records him writing covenant words and other material; that supports his central role without identifying every stage in the book's final compilation. Biblical references: Exodus 17:14; Exodus 24:4; Exodus 34:27. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Exodus 5:1–11:10): Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh and his officials on behalf of Israel. The plagues affect Egypt, while the narrative distinguishes the Israelites and the instructions given to them. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The Israelites delivered from Egypt, and succeeding generations of Israel who were to remember the deliverance and keep the covenant. Biblical references: Exodus 12:24; Exodus 12:26; Exodus 24:7. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Bricks and Straw. Read Exodus 5:6 through Exodus 5:14 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Israel's bondage and God's commission to Moses establish the need for deliverance and introduce the confrontation with Pharaoh. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Events follow Israel's growth in Egypt and continue through the exodus, arrival at Sinai, and erection of the tabernacle. Exodus 40:17 dates the erection within that journey. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The book moves from Egypt, through the sea and wilderness, to Sinai. Do not confuse the place of a narrated event with the place where the final book was written. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Bricks and Straw (Exodus 5:6 to Exodus 5:14).
Start reading at Exodus 5:6. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul explicitly calls Christ our Passover. Hebrews compares sanctuary worship with Christ's work. These later connections should be cited rather than treating every tabernacle detail as a self-explanatory symbol. See 1 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 9:11, Hebrews 9:12. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Respond to deliverance with worship and obedience. When applying a covenant command, identify whom it addresses and its purpose before deciding how it relates to life under the new covenant. interpretation
Early traditionUniform Jewish and Christian tradition names Moses.
What is debatedSource-critical theories propose later editing of the material.
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Exodus 5
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Exodus follows the children of Israel from oppression in Egypt to covenant and tabernacle worship. The text records commands to Moses and Israel; instructions for that covenant must not be silently turned into identical commands to every later reader. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Israel's bondage and God's commission to Moses establish the need for deliverance and introduce the confrontation with Pharaoh.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Israel's bondage and God's commission to Moses establish the need for deliverance and introduce the confrontation with Pharaoh.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Exodus
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Exodus follows the children of Israel from oppression in Egypt to covenant and tabernacle worship. The text records commands to Moses and Israel; instructions for that covenant must not be silently turned into identical commands to every later reader.
Connection to the wholeThe plagues, Passover, departure, and crossing of the sea display the deliverance celebrated in the song that closes this movement.
Connection to the wholeGod addresses the delivered people, gives covenant commands, and the covenant is confirmed before instructions for the sanctuary begin.
Connection to the wholeIsrael's idolatry interrupts the sanctuary instructions. Moses intercedes, and renewed covenant words prepare the people to carry out the work.
Connection to the wholeThe people supply and construct the sanctuary according to the commands, and the book ends with the glory of the LORD filling it.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.