Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.
Ver. 11. To afflict them.] Because they would not "serve God with gladness of heart." Deu 28:47-48 For now they began to go awhoring after the idols of Egypt. Ezekiel 23:8 ; Ezekiel 20:5 ; Eze 20:7-8
And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities.] They built also those famous pyramids, as some think, a of which it is reported, that for the great height of them, a man cannot shoot an arrow so high as the midst of the lower tower, whereon the spire stands. b
a Bucholcer.
b Turk. Hist., fol. 544.