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Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Exodus 5:6

(6) Taskmasters . . . officers.—Three grades of officials are mentioned as employed in superintending the forced labours of the Hebrews—(1) “lords of service” (sarey massim), in Exodus 1:11; (2) “taskmasters” (nogeshim), here and in Exodus 5:10; Exodus 5:13-14; and (3) “officers”—literally, scribes (shoterim), here and in Exodus 5:11-21. The “lords of service” were probably a small body who exercised a general superintendence, and determined the works in which the Hebrews should be employed.... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Exodus 5:7

(7) Straw to make brick.—“The use of crude brick was general in Egypt for dwelling-houses, tombs, and ordinary buildings, the walls of towns, fortresses, and the sacred enclosures of temples, and for all purposes where stone was not required, which last was nearly confined to temples, quays, and reservoirs” (Wilkinson, in Rawlinson’s Herodotus, vol. ii. p. 213). These crude bricks were always made of the mud of the Nile, mixed with chopped straw, which served to bind them together (Rosellini,... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Exodus 5:1-23

Exodus 5:1 Compare these sentences from Mrs. H. B. Stowe's appeal to the women of England in 1862: 'The writer of this has been present at a solemn religious festival in the national capital, given at the home of a portion of those fugitive slaves who have fled to our lines for protection who, under the shadow of our flag, find sympathy and succour. The national day of thanksgiving was there kept by over a thousand redeemed slaves, and for whom Christian charity had spread an ample repast. Our... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Exodus 5:1-23

CHAPTER V.PHARAOH REFUSES.Exodus 5:1-23.After forty years of obscurity and silence, Moses re-enters the magnificent halls where he had formerly turned his back upon so great a place. The rod of a shepherd is in his hand, and a lowly Hebrew by his side. Men who recognise him shake their heads, and pity or despise the fanatic who had thrown away the most dazzling prospects for a dream. But he has long since made his choice, and whatever misgivings now beset him have regard to his success with... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Exodus 5:1-23

3. Moses and Aaron in Egypt CHAPTERS 4:29-5:23 Before the Elders and Before Pharaoh 1. Before the elders of Israel (Exodus 4:29-31 ) 2. Before Pharaoh, and his answer (Exodus 5:1-4 ) 3. The increased oppression (Exodus 5:5-19 ) 4. Israel ‘s complaint and Moses’ prayer (Exodus 5:20-23 ) The people were willing and believed. Notice they believed after the signs were done. Faith was followed by worship. It is almost a constitutional thing with the Jew to see first and then believe.... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Exodus 5:6

5:6 And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their {d} officers, saying,(d) Who were of the Israelites, and had charge to see them do their work. read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 5:1-23

THE FIRST APPEAL TO PHARAOH AND THE RESULTS (vs.1-23) Moses and Aaron then gain an audience with Pharaoh, and simply tell him the message that the Lord God of Israel has for him, "Let My people go, that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness." But Pharaoh's response was both contemptuous and defiant: "Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, nor will I let Israel go." In spite of this decisive refusal, Moses and Aaron plead with Pharaoh,... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Exodus 5:1-23

MOSES AND AARON IN EGYPT BEFORE ISRAEL (Exodus 4:29-31 ) What is the first step taken by Moses and Aaron on their return (Exodus 4:29 )? What “signs” are referred to in Exodus 4:30 (compare Exodus 4:1-9 )? How did the people receive their message (Exodus 4:31 )? What effect was produced on the people by God’s compassion? BEFORE PHARAOH (Exodus 5:1-23 ) How does Moses limit his demand (compare Exodus 5:1 with Exodus 3:18 )? Do you think it was necessary to tell Pharaoh the complete... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Exodus 5:4-9

This complaint of the idleness of the Israelites was false. See Exodus 1:11 . read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Exodus 5:6

Overseers, natives of Egypt, who had under them some Hebrews for task-masters, as the people were more willing to obey them, ver. 14. read more

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