task´mas - ter . ( מס שׂר , sar maṣ , "chief of the burden" or "levy" ( Exodus 1:11 ); נגשׂ , nōghēs , "distress," "driver," "oppressor," "raiser of taxes," "taskmaster" (Exodus 3:7; Exodus 5:6 , Exodus 5:10 , Exodus 5:13 , Exodus 5:14 )): Officials of this class seem to have been officially appointed by Pharaoh for the purpose of oppressing the Israelites and subduing their spirits, lest they seek complete independence or organize a rebellion against the government (Exodus 1:11 ). The condition of the Israelites at this time became one of complete vassalage or slavery, probably owing to the fact that the Hyksos were driven out and a new dynasty was established, which knew nothing of Joseph and his people.
Source
- part_of
source-manifest/isbe— ISBE (PD)