“Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks.”
This verse is part of the narrative in the book of Exodus that recounts the Israelites’ slavery in Egypt and their subsequent liberation by God through Moses. To better understand the significance of Exodus 5:18, it’s helpful to provide some context by examining the preceding verses.
In Exodus 5, Moses and Aaron, acting as God’s messengers, approach Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, to request the release of the Israelites from their enslavement. They specifically ask for permission to go into the wilderness and hold a feast to worship the Lord. Initially, Pharaoh appears to consider their request but ultimately refuses to let the Israelites go. Instead, he accuses them of idleness and decides to increase their burden as a means of keeping them occupied.
In verse 7, Pharaoh issues a command to the taskmasters and overseers of the Israelite people, saying, “Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves.” This decision was meant to intensify their workload and make their labor even more difficult. In ancient Egypt, straw was a necessary component in brickmaking as it helped bind the mud and provide structure to the bricks.
Now, let’s focus on Exodus 5:18 itself: “Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks.” This verse illustrates the harsh reality faced by the Israelites. Despite the lack of straw, they were still expected to produce the same quota or “tale” of bricks. This meant that they had to find alternative sources of straw or fulfill their brick-making duties without it, which significantly increased their workload and made their lives even more challenging.
From a spiritual perspective, Exodus 5:18 showcases the Israelites’ faith and obedience amidst adversity. Despite the increased burden and the removal of essential materials needed for their work, the Israelites were commanded to continue working diligently and meet the quota demanded by Pharaoh. Their willingness to carry out this task demonstrated their trust in God’s deliverance and their commitment to follow the instructions given to them through Moses.
This verse serves as a reminder that faithfulness to God does not exempt us from experiencing hardships or challenges in life. Sometimes, our circumstances may even appear to worsen after we step out in obedience. However, the story of Exodus teaches us that God is aware of our struggles and is faithful to fulfill His promises. In the subsequent chapters, we witness God’s mighty acts of deliverance and His eventual liberation of the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt.
In summary, Exodus 5:18 sheds light on the difficult conditions the Israelites faced during their slavery in Egypt. Despite the removal of straw, they were still expected to meet their brick-making quota. This verse highlights their faith and obedience in continuing their work, trusting in God’s ultimate deliverance. It serves as a lesson for us to remain steadfast in our faith and obedient to God’s commands, even when faced with challenging circumstances.
