That same day
This phrase indicates immediacy and urgency. In the Hebrew text, the word "יום" (yom) is used for "day," emphasizing a specific point in time. The context here is crucial; Moses and Aaron had just approached Pharaoh to request the release of the Israelites. Pharaoh's swift reaction underscores his authority and the oppressive nature of his rule. Historically, this reflects the harsh realities of ancient Egyptian governance, where decisions were often made unilaterally by the Pharaoh, who was considered a god-king.

Pharaoh
The term "Pharaoh" is derived from the Egyptian word "per-aa," meaning "great house." It signifies not just the ruler but the entire institution of Egyptian monarchy. In the biblical narrative, Pharaoh represents the epitome of earthly power and opposition to God's will. His hardened heart and resistance to God's command through Moses set the stage for the ensuing plagues and the eventual liberation of the Israelites. This highlights the spiritual battle between God's sovereignty and human pride.

commanded
The Hebrew word "צוה" (tsavah) is used here, meaning to order or decree. This reflects Pharaoh's absolute authority over his subjects. In the biblical context, commands from leaders often reveal their character and intentions. Pharaoh's command here is not just an administrative order but a deliberate act of defiance against the God of Israel. It serves as a reminder of the power dynamics at play and the spiritual blindness that can accompany earthly authority.

the taskmasters
The Hebrew term "נוגשים" (nogeshim) refers to those who were appointed to oversee and enforce labor. Taskmasters were often harsh and oppressive, reflecting the brutal conditions of slavery in Egypt. Archaeological findings, such as inscriptions and reliefs, depict the rigorous labor imposed on slaves, supporting the biblical account. The taskmasters symbolize the systemic oppression faced by the Israelites, highlighting the need for divine intervention and deliverance.

of the people
This phrase refers to the Israelites, God's chosen people, who were living under Egyptian bondage. The Hebrew word "עם" (am) is used for "people," emphasizing their collective identity. Despite their suffering, they are the recipients of God's promises and the focus of His redemptive plan. This underscores the theme of covenant faithfulness, as God remains committed to His people even in the midst of their trials.

and their foremen
The Hebrew word "שטרים" (shotrim) is used here, referring to the Israelite officers or overseers. These individuals were caught between the demands of the Egyptian taskmasters and the plight of their fellow Israelites. Their role highlights the complexity of leadership under oppression and the moral dilemmas faced by those in positions of authority. This serves as a reminder of the challenges of maintaining integrity and faithfulness in difficult circumstances.

(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. They were, no doubt, native Egyptians. The nogeshim, or "taskmasters," were their subordinates--Egyptians like themselves--comparatively numerous, and serving as intermediaries between the "lords" and the "officers." These last were Hebrews, and engaged mainly in keeping the tale of the bricks, and seeing that the proper number was reached. Such an organisation is consonant with all that we know of the Egyptian governmental system, which was bureaucratic and complex, involving in every department the employment of several grades of officials.

Verses 6-9. - Rulers are not always content simply to refuse inconvenient demands. Sometimes they set to work with much ingenuity and worldly wisdom to prevent their repetition. This is especially the case where they entertain a fear of their petitioners. The Spartans removed Helots, who had earned their freedom, by the Crypteia. The massacre of St. Bartholomew was caused by the Huguenot demand for freedom of worship and the difficulty of repressing it. The Pharaoh now is not content to let things take their course, but devises a plan by which he hopes to crush altogether the aspirations of the Hebrew people, and secure himself against the recurrence of any such appeal as that which had been made to him by Moses and Aaron. The Israelites had recently been employed chiefly in brickmaking. They had had to dig the clay and temper it, to mix it with straw, and mould it into the form of bricks; but the straw had been supplied to them. The king determined that this should be no longer done; the Israelites should find the straw for themselves. It has been estimated that by this change their labour was "more than doubled." (Canon Cook.) It was a not unreasonable expectation that under this system popular meetings would cease (ver. 9); and that Moses and Aaron, not being backed up by the voice of the people, would discontinue their agitation. Verse 6. - The same day. Pharaoh lost no time. Having conceived his idea, he issued his order at once-on the very day of the interview with the two leaders. It would be well if the children of light were as "wise" and as energetic on all occasions as the children of darkness. Taskmasters and officers. The word translated "taskmaster" here is not the same as the expression similarly rendered in Exodus 1:11; and it is thought not to designate the same class. The sarey massim of the former passage are thought to be general superintendents of works, few in number and of high rank, the nogeshim of the present place to be subordinates, numerous and inferior in position. Both of these classes were probably Egyptians. The "officers" (shoterim) were undoubtedly Hebrews. They were especially employed in keeping the tale of the bricks, and seeing that they reached the proper amount. Literally, the word shoterim means "scribes," and is so rendered in most passages.

Parallel Commentaries ...


That same
הַה֑וּא (ha·hū)
Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

day
בַּיּ֣וֹם (bay·yō·wm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

Pharaoh
פַּרְעֹ֖ה (par·‘ōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings

commanded
וַיְצַ֥ו (way·ṣaw)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

the taskmasters
הַנֹּגְשִׂ֣ים (han·nō·ḡə·śîm)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5065: To drive, to tax, harass, tyrannize

of the people
בָּעָ֔ם (bā·‘ām)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

and their foremen:
שֹׁטְרָ֖יו (šō·ṭə·rāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7860: A scribe, an official superintendent, magistrate


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OT Law: Exodus 5:6 The same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters (Exo. Ex)