Moses and Aaron here deal with Pharaoh to get leave of him to go to worship in the wilderness.

I. They demand leave in the name of God, ver. 1. and he answers their demand with a defiance of God, ver. 2.

II. They beg leave in the name of Israel, ver. 3. and he answers their request with further orders to oppress Israel, ver. 4-9. These cruel orders were,

1. Executed by the task-masters, ver. 10-14.

2. Complained of to Pharaoh, but in vain, ver. 15-19.

3. Complained of by the people to Moses, ver. 20, 21. and by him to God, ver. 22, 23.