This chapter could be interestingly titled, “Making Bricks without Straw.” It follows from chapter 1 where we read about the death of Joseph, Egypt’s Prime Minister, and the passing of his generation, and a new king emerges in Egypt who did not know the works of Joseph. This king began to oppress the Israelites with forced labour to build many cities. Chapter 1:14 tells us that he, “made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and brick, and … ruthlessly made them work as slaves.” And his slave masters did many cruel things to the Israelites to stop them from growing more numerous.

From chapters 2-4, God raised up Moses to deliver the people from Egypt. Pharoah, the king of Egypt was angry. (5:1) We see Pharaoh’s pride come to the fore when he said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and moreover, I will not let Israel go.” (5:2) Here, there is a tussle of the will – whose will is stronger: Pharaoh’s or the LORD’s.

We see the ridiculous instructions Pharaoh gave the slave drivers for the people of Israel - to make bricks without supplying the raw materials, and yet requiring the same quota of bricks to be made each day. (5:7-9) It is like telling them, “By hook or by crook, just make the bricks” or “you die your business.”

To make bricks out of nothing requires nothing but a miracle from God. If the Israelites’ God was more powerful than Pharaoh, let’s see if he would help them make bricks out of “nothing”!

Then from verses 14-18, we read that the Israelite foremen who oversaw their own people were beaten because they simply could not fulfill their daily quota of bricks from no straws given to the people.

Here is a small lesson on employer-employee relationship. When there is a sense of bullying and injustice, (5:14) there is room for appeal and negotiation. But when one party, especially the employer becomes high-handed and disrespectful, then nothing would work.

Notice what Pharaoh called the Israelites: “Lazy, that’s what you are – lazy!” (5:17, NIV) How do you feel when your employer calls you by name, or assume that you are trying to “snake” or “cut corners” in your work? When there is a lack of respect and trust it is difficult for any good communication to proceed. Worse, there is a dampening of morale in the workplace. Verse 19 tells us that the Israelite foremen realised they were in trouble because it is impossible for them to get their people to meet the daily quota of bricks. How do you feel when you are trying to do your best, yet if seems that your best still does not meet half the expectations of your employer?

So, what did the Israelite foremen do? They went to Moses and Aaron and complained against them, blaming them for putting a sword in Pharaoh’s hand to kill the people. (5:21) Then what did Moses do? He went to the LORD! He prayed.

“O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all.” (5:22-23)

Here again, we see the “blame game” actively shown in Moses’ prayer.

Brothers and sisters, in times of stress and strain in your work or life, the best thing to do is to go to the Lord in prayer, yet not to blame on someone or accuse the Lord, because He is the sovereign Lord and knows your circumstances and struggles.

Dear Sovereign Lord, the One who holds in your hands the heavens and the earth, and the nations and powers of the world. Hear our prayers when we come to you, deliver us from any injustice and oppression, provide for our needs, lead us not into temptation and protect us from the evil one. In Christ’s name. Amen!