Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 5:10. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising passage in the Bible! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Pharaoh, the Egyptian ruler, was telling the people of Egypt that he, Pharaoh, is in charge and he doesn’t want to give them anything. Let’s unpack it layer by layer: “Exodus 5:10” : This is the specific verse we're talking about. It’s a passage from the Book of Exodus, which tells us about the beginning of the Israelites’ journey out of Egypt. “And the taskmasters of the people went out…” : Pharaoh had a team of people – leaders, officials, and advisors – who were responsible for making decisions about the Egyptian population. “…and their officers, and they spake to the people…” : These leaders were speaking to the Egyptians. “Saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw.” : This is the key part. Pharaoh was saying this directly: “I, Pharaoh, am in charge, and I will not give you anything." What does it mean? This verse is a powerful statement of power and control. It implies that Pharaoh has absolute authority over his people. It suggests that he's determined to keep the Israelites under his rule and doesn’t want to be bothered by their needs or requests. Why is this significant? It was a long time coming: This wasn't an unexpected event. The Egyptians had been controlling and demanding from the Israelites for decades. This verse essentially revealed Pharaoh's power. It foreshadowed the Exodus: It’s often seen as a sign that God is about to deliver the Israelites from slavery, leading to their exodus out of Egypt. Pharaoh’s words were a warning – he was preparing for a dramatic shift in fate. In short, this verse is a dramatic declaration of Pharaoh's power and control over the people of Egypt. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Exodus? Discuss the symbolism behind this story? Answer any specific questions you have about it?