14. The bosses beat the men in charge of the slaves and said, “Why didn't you force the slaves to make as many bricks yesterday and today as they did before?”
15. Finally, the men in charge of the slaves went to the king and said, “Why are you treating us like this?
16. No one brings us any straw, but we are still ordered to make the same number of bricks. We are beaten with whips, and your own people are to blame.”
17. The king replied, “You are lazy—nothing but lazy! That's why you keep asking me to let you go and sacrifice to your Lord.
18. Get back to work! You won't be given straw, but you must still make the same number of bricks.”
19. The men knew they were in deep trouble when they were ordered to make the same number of bricks each day.
20. After they left the king, they went to see Moses and Aaron, who had been waiting for them.
21. Then the men said, “We hope the Lord will punish both of you for making the king and his officials hate us. Now they even have an excuse to kill us.”
22. Moses left them and prayed, “Our Lord, why have you brought so much trouble on your people? Is that why you sent me here?
23. Ever since you told me to speak to the king, he has caused nothing but trouble for these people. And you haven't done a thing to help.”