Definition: And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 1:13: “And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour.” What it means in plain English: The Bible says that the Egyptians – who were ruling over the Israelites – essentially forced the Israelites to work very hard and diligently. It’s like they made them do a lot of physical labor, almost as an obligation. Here's a more detailed explanation: “The Egyptians…” : This refers to the people who controlled the land and were responsible for the Israelites. “…made…” : This means they actively created or imposed this requirement. “…the children of Israel…” : The verse focuses on a specific group of Israelites – the ones Moses led into Egypt. “…to serve with rigour:” This is the key part. “Rigour” means hard work, diligence, and effort. It suggests they were forced to work extremely hard, often under difficult conditions. What’s the significance? This verse is important because it tells us about the early treatment of the Israelites in Egypt. It highlights a period where the Egyptians exerted control and demanded a lot from them. It's a key part of understanding the challenges faced by these people during their time in exile. Important Note: It’s worth noting that this wasn’t necessarily a pleasant situation for the Israelites. They were treated as property, and forced to work hard – it was a difficult time for them. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Provide more context about the story of the Israelites in Egypt? Discuss the reasons behind this practice (historical or theological)?