12 And the people were dispersed through all the land of Egypt, in order to gather straw.
13 Likewise, the overseers of the works pressured them, saying: "Complete your work each day, just as you were accustomed to do before, when straw was given to you."
14 And those who were first in the works of the sons of Israel were scourged by Pharaoh's taskmasters, saying: "Why have you not filled the quota of bricks, neither yesterday, nor today, just as before?"
15 And the first among the sons of Israel came, and they cried out to Pharaoh, saying: "Why do act against your servants in this way?
16 Straw is not given to us, and yet the same amount of bricks is commanded. So we, your servants, are cut up by scourging, and injustice is done against your people."
17 And he said: "You are idle. And for this reason you say, 'We shall go and sacrifice to the Lord.'
18 Therefore, go and work. Straw will not be given to you, and you will return the customary number of bricks."