John Calvin Commentary Exodus 1:13

"And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigor:" — Exodus 1:13 (ASV)

And the Egyptians made. Thus Moses informs us that, instead of being persuaded to kindness by their fears, they were rather hardened and spurred on to greater cruelty. For the wicked do not perceive that God is against them when their perverse efforts are unsuccessful. And even if this thought ever arises, the blind impetuosity of their folly still hurries them forward, so that they do not doubt their ability in their obstinate desire to prevail even against God. This will become clearer as this history progresses.

The cruelty of the demands is expressed when he says that their lives were made bitter, nothing being sweeter than life; therefore, it appears that their miseries were extreme and intolerable, which made life burdensome. He confirms this in other words and also specifies their tasks: that they were engaged in mortar and in brick, and in all manner of (similar) services. He twice repeats that they were treated with rigor, that is, harshly.¹⁸

¹⁸ “Par lequel mot il intend inhumanite, ou grande rudesse;” by which word he means inhumanity, or great severity. — Fr..