5. And Pharaoh said, Behold the people of the land are now many, and ye wish to make them rest from their burdens.
6. And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying,
7. Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves.
8. And the number of the bricks they have made heretofore shall ye lay upon them: ye shall not diminish any of it, for they are idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God
9. Let them put heavier labour on the men, that they may be taken up with it, and not regard vain words.
10. And the taskmasters of the people and their officers went out and spoke to the people, saying, Thus says Pharaoh: I will not give you straw:
11. go ye, get yourselves straw where ye may find it; but none of your work shall be diminished.
12. And the people were scattered abroad throughout the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw.