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1
A Calculated Cruelty
Commentators explain this was not random cruelty but a calculated state policy. Pharaoh appointed high-ranking officials, or "taskmasters," with the specific goal of afflicting the Israelites through forced labor. As John Calvin notes, this was an act of profound injustice, breaking faith with a people who had been welcomed into the land. The aim was to crush their spirits and halt their growth.
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Book Overview
Exodus
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Commentaries
5
Albert Barnes
On Exodus 1:11
18th Century
Theologian
Taskmasters - The Egyptian “Chiefs of tributes.” They were men of rank, superintendents of the public works, such as are often represented o…
Charles Ellicott
On Exodus 1:11
19th Century
Bishop
Task-masters. —Hebrew, chiefs of tributes. The Egyptian system of forced labour, which it was now resolved to extend to t…
John Calvin
On Exodus 1:11
16th Century
Theologian
Therefore they did set over them. The Egyptians devised this plan to gradually diminish the children of Israel. Since the Israelites were …
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John Gill
On Exodus 1:11
17th Century
Pastor
Therefore they did set taskmasters over them, to afflict
them with their burdens
This w…
Matthew Henry
On Exodus 1:8–14
17th Century
Minister
The land of Egypt became a house of bondage to Israel. The place where we have been happy may soon become the place of our affliction; and that may…