Exodus 5:19

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.

And the officers {H7860} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} did see {H7200} that they were in evil {H7451} case, after it was said {H559}, Ye shall not minish {H1639} ought from your bricks {H3843} of your daily {H3117}{H3117} task {H1697}.

When they said, "You are not to reduce your daily production quota of bricks," the foremen of the people of Isra'el could see that they were in deep trouble.

The Israelite foremen realized they were in trouble when they were told, โ€œYou must not reduce your daily quota of bricks.โ€

And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, when it was said, Ye shall not diminish aught from your bricks, your daily tasks.

Commentary

Exodus 5:19 KJV highlights a pivotal moment of despair for the Israelite foremen under Pharaoh's cruel oppression. This verse immediately follows the officers being beaten for failing to meet impossible brick quotas, despite the straw being withheld. It underscores the severity of their predicament and their realization of the truly dire situation they were in.

Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of Moses and Aaron's initial confrontation with Pharaoh, demanding the release of the Israelites to worship God. Pharaoh's response was not only a refusal but a drastic increase in the Israelites' burden. He commanded that the people no longer be given straw for brick-making but must gather it themselves, while still maintaining the same daily quota of bricks (Exodus 5:7-8). The "officers of the children of Israel" were Israelite foremen appointed by the Egyptian taskmasters. They were held directly responsible for their kinsmen's output and, as a result, were beaten when the quotas were not met (Exodus 5:14). Verse 19 captures their dawning realization of their "evil case" โ€“ a situation with no apparent solution, where they faced punishment for an unachievable task.

Key Themes

  • Increased Oppression: The verse vividly portrays Pharaoh's escalating cruelty, demonstrating how he tightened his grip on the Israelites rather than releasing them. This intensified suffering was a direct consequence of God's initial demand.
  • Impossible Demands: The core of their "evil case" was the requirement to produce the same number of bricks with less resources and more labor. This highlights the unjust and unachievable burdens placed upon them.
  • Despair and Helplessness: The officers' recognition of their hopeless situation reflects the deep despair that permeated the Israelite community. They were trapped between an oppressive ruler and the suffering of their own people.
  • Intermediary Suffering: The Israelite officers, caught between Pharaoh's wrath and their people's inability to meet the demands, bore the immediate brunt of the intensified slavery.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "evil case" translates the Hebrew word ra' (ืจึธืข), which means bad, evil, wicked, or calamitous. Here, it signifies a deeply distressing, harmful, and grievous situation. It's not merely an inconvenience but a profoundly difficult and dangerous state of affairs, emphasizing the severity of their plight and the wickedness of Pharaoh's decree to "not minish" (diminish) their brick quota.

Practical Application

Exodus 5:19 offers several insights for believers today:

  • Recognizing Unjust Burdens: It serves as a reminder that throughout history, people have faced unjust systems and impossible demands. It encourages empathy for those caught in oppressive circumstances.
  • The Cry of the Oppressed: Even when situations seem to worsen, God is attentive to the cries of His people (Exodus 3:7). This moment of heightened despair in Exodus actually precedes God's mighty acts of deliverance.
  • God's Sovereignty in Hardship: Sometimes, circumstances must become utterly impossible for human solutions to fail, so that God's power and faithfulness can be unmistakably demonstrated. The "evil case" of the Israelites set the stage for the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and their ultimate liberation (Exodus 6:6).
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Cross-References

  • Ecclesiastes 5:8 (2 votes)

    If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for [he that is] higher than the highest regardeth; and [there be] higher than they.

  • Ecclesiastes 4:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of [such as were] oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors [there was] power; but they had no comforter.

  • Deuteronomy 32:36 (1 votes)

    For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that [their] power is gone, and [there is] none shut up, or left.