12 So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw.

Other Translations of Exodus 5:12

New International Version

12 So the people scattered all over Egypt to gather stubble to use for straw.

English Standard Version

12 So the people were scattered throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw.

The Message

12 The people scattered all over Egypt scrabbling for straw.

New King James Version

12 So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw.

New Living Translation

12 So the people scattered throughout the land of Egypt in search of stubble to use as straw.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 5:12

Commentary on Exodus 5:10-23

(Read Exodus 5:10-23)

The Egyptian task-masters were very severe. See what need we have to pray that we may be delivered from wicked men. The head-workmen justly complained to Pharaoh: but he taunted them. The malice of Satan has often represented the service and worship of God, as fit employment only for those who have nothing else to do, and the business only of the idle; whereas, it is the duty of those who are most busy in the world. Those who are diligent in doing sacrifice to the Lord, will, before God, escape the doom of the slothful servant, though with men they do not. The Israelites should have humbled themselves before God, and have taken to themselves the shame of their sin; but instead of that, they quarrel with those who were to be their deliverers. Moses returned to the Lord. He knew that what he had said and done, was by God's direction; and therefore appeals to him. When we find ourselves at any time perplexed in the way of our duty, we ought to go to God, and lay open our case before him by fervent prayer. Disappointments in our work must not drive us from our God, but still we must ponder why they are sent.