Meaning
A taskmaster is a person appointed to oversee and enforce the work of labourers. The term is used in Exodus for the Egyptian overseers appointed over the children of Israel.
Biblical Usage
In Exodus 1:11, Pharaoh’s people appointed taskmasters to afflict the Israelites with burdens and compel them to build the treasure cities Pithom and Raamses.
In Exodus 5:6-14, Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters and officers to stop supplying straw for brickmaking while requiring the Israelites to produce the same number of bricks. The taskmasters enforced these demands and the Israelites were beaten when they failed to meet their quotas.
Key References
- Exodus 1:11-14
- Exodus 5:6-14
- Exodus 5:19
Related Terms
- Pharaoh
- Israelites
- Egypt
- Bondage