Genesis 5-6 covers Moses and Aaron presenting God's demands to Pharaoh concerning God's people. Pharaoh's response:
6 The very same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their officers, 7 You shall no more give the people straw to make brick; let them go and gather straw for themselves. 8 But the number of the bricks which they made before you shall still require of them; you shall not diminish it in the least. For they are idle; that is why they cry, Let us go and sacrifice to our God. 9 Let heavier work be laid upon the men that they may labor at it and pay no attention to lying words.
In case you were wondering about whether or not the people NEEDED straw to make bricks, here is a picture of an Egyptian brick from those times:
Notice the pieces of straw and other things?
The straw would help separate some of the dense Egyptian clay so that the bricks would dry quicker in the kilns and hold together. The people were angry and Moses couldn't understand why God would make it harder yet on the people, BUT, God had a plan! HIS plan is always the BEST plan! When YOU are facing test, trials and temptations in YOUR life, remember God's plan is to prosper you and do you GOOD! Jeremiah 29:11:
11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
Never quit, never give up, and NEVER blame God! He may not be early, but He is NEVER late! AMEN!
Shalom in Him!
