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"A good man obtains favour from the LORD, but a man of wicked intentions He will condemn." Proverbs 12:2

Text: Exodus 5 : 17-19

A JUSTIFIED AND FAIR COMPLAINT

The petition that was brought to Pharaoh had merit! The plea was made on pure facts:

1. No straw had been provided when all this while it was made available.

2. The demand that the quota be fulfilled was clearly unreasonable, because the production line was severely interrupted by the fact that the slaves had to look for their own straw.

3. The slaves were beaten unfairly when the fault was clearly not theirs.

A MAN OF WICKED INTENTIONS

The Hebrew slaves had not counted on one important factor! They had not reckoned with the character that Pharaoh possessed. Their pleas fell on deaf ears. The Pharaoh retorted with a loud outburst.

“But he said, ‘You are idle! Idle!
Therefore you say, “Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD.”
Therefore go now and work, for no straw shall be given you,
yet you shall deliver the quota of bricks.'”
EXODUS 5:17-18

Pharaoh was not the least moved by the plight of his slaves. Who were they to him? What were they were to the mightiest man in the land? They were mere chattel. With firm arrogance the Pharaoh insisted that he was right.

1. The accusation of idleness stood.

2. No straw would be issued.

3. The same quota of bricks must be met.

DEFEATED AND DEMORALISED

The Hebrew slaves were summarily dismissed. Their final hope was dashed. There was no higher court of appeal. Their hearts sank as they thought over what the Pharaoh said to them.

“And the officers of the children of Israel saw that they
were in trouble after it was said, ‘You shall not reduce
any bricks from your daily quota.'”
EXODUS 5:19

What were they to do now? How had this reversal of circumstances come about? There was only one more thing they could do. They must confront Moses and Aaron and demand an explanation from them! Despair ruled that day!