Exodus 5:6

And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying,

And Pharaoh {H6547} commanded {H6680} the same day {H3117} the taskmasters {H5065} of the people {H5971}, and their officers {H7860}, saying {H559},

That same day Pharaoh ordered the slavemasters and the people's foremen,

That same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their foremen:

And the same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying,

Commentary

Exodus 5:6 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Israel's liberation from Egyptian bondage. Following Moses and Aaron's initial demand to Pharaoh to "Let my people go," this verse reveals Pharaoh's immediate and harsh response. Instead of releasing the Israelites, he commanded his officials to intensify their suffering.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Egypt, the pharaoh held absolute power, considered a divine king. The Israelites were enslaved, forced to perform hard labor, particularly in brick-making and construction (Exodus 1:14). This verse details Pharaoh's direct order to his enforcement hierarchy: the taskmasters (Egyptian overseers) and the officers (likely Israelite foremen appointed by the Egyptians, responsible for their own people's quotas). His command "the same day" highlights the swiftness and decisiveness of his punitive action, aiming to crush any hope of freedom and increase the burden on the Israelite laborers.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Pharaoh's Defiance: This verse underscores Pharaoh's immediate rejection of God's command delivered through Moses and Aaron. His response is not just a refusal, but an active escalation of oppression, demonstrating his stubborn will and contempt for the God of Israel.
  • Increased Oppression: Pharaoh's strategy was to make the Israelites' lives so miserable that they would abandon their desire for freedom, believing that the "burden" of their work would distract them from "vain words" (Exodus 5:9). This increased suffering serves as a test of faith for Israel and a catalyst for God's greater display of power.
  • Escalating Conflict: This command initiates the direct confrontation between God and Pharaoh, setting the stage for the plagues that will follow. It reflects the beginning of a prolonged struggle, marked by Pharaoh's hardened heart and God's unwavering purpose to deliver His people.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "taskmasters" is from the Hebrew sarei missim (ืฉื‚ึธืจึตื™ ืžึดืกึผึดื™ื), meaning "chiefs of forced labor" or "princes of tribute." These were high-ranking Egyptian officials directly overseeing the work.
  • "Officers" comes from the Hebrew shoterim (ืฉืึนื˜ึฐืจึดื™ื), which can refer to scribes, enforcers, or officials. In this context, they were likely Israelite foremen who were themselves under the authority of the Egyptian taskmasters and were responsible for meeting the quotas of their fellow Israelites. This setup created a layer of internal pressure within the enslaved community.

Practical Application

Exodus 5:6 reminds us that the path to liberation or significant change often involves increased resistance and hardship before breakthrough. When God begins to work, opposition may intensify, testing faith and resolve. This verse teaches us that:

  • Opposition is Inevitable: When pursuing God's will, expect resistance from opposing forces.
  • God's Plan Prevails: Even seemingly insurmountable obstacles and increased suffering are ultimately part of God's larger plan to demonstrate His power and bring about His desired outcome, ultimately leading to Israel's miraculous deliverance.
  • Perseverance is Key: In the face of intensified challenges, faith and perseverance are crucial for those waiting on God's intervention.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 5:10 (3 votes)

    ยถ And 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.

  • Exodus 5:19 (3 votes)

    And the officers of the children of Israel did see [that] they [were] in evil [case], after it was said, Ye shall not minish [ought] from your bricks of your daily task.

  • Exodus 5:13 (2 votes)

    And the taskmasters hasted [them], saying, Fulfil your works, [your] daily tasks, as when there was straw.

  • Exodus 5:15 (2 votes)

    ยถ Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants?

  • Joshua 24:4 (2 votes)

    And I gave unto Isaac Jacob and Esau: and I gave unto Esau mount Seir, to possess it; but Jacob and his children went down into Egypt.

  • Joshua 8:33 (2 votes)

    And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel.

  • Exodus 1:11 (2 votes)

    Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.