Exodus 5:9 - Let heavier work be laid on the men, that they may labor in it; and don’t let them pay any attention to lying words.”

Generated Verse: Exodus 5:9

What does "Exodus 5:9" mean?


This verse, Exodus 5:9, is part of a decree by Pharaoh to increase the workload of the Israelite slaves. Let's break it down:

"Let heavier work be laid on the men, that they may labor in it..." Pharaoh orders that the Israelites be given more difficult and time-consuming tasks. The goal is to keep them so busy and exhausted that they have no time or energy for anything else.

"...and don't let them pay any attention to lying words." This is the crucial part. "Lying words" most likely refers to the messages and promises from Moses and Aaron, who were trying to convince the Israelites that God would deliver them from slavery. Pharaoh wants to ensure they ignore any talk of liberation or hope for freedom.

In essence, the verse is a strategy of suppression:

Pharaoh's plan is two-fold:

1. Exhaustion: Overwork the Israelites to sap their strength and spirit.
2. Distraction/Denial: Keep them so preoccupied with labor that they have no opportunity or inclination to listen to and believe the message of freedom brought by Moses and Aaron.

The verse highlights the tyrannical nature of Pharaoh and his determination to maintain control over the Israelites by any means necessary. He recognizes the power of hope and the threat it poses to his authority, so he attempts to extinguish it by increasing their burden and dismissing the possibility of change.

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