Bible Dictionary
TASKMASTER
Taskmasters were officials appointed over the Israelites in Egypt to impose forced labor and burdens. Their oppression helped reduce Israel to a condition of slavery under Pharaoh.
Definition
Taskmasters were officials appointed to impose burdens and forced labor. In Egypt they were placed over the Israelites to oppress them, subdue their spirit, and prevent independence or rebellion.
Biblical Usage
The taskmasters supervised Israel’s labor under Pharaoh and enforced the burdens imposed on the people during their period of slavery.
Historical Background
The oppression is associated with the expulsion of the Hyksos and the establishment of a new Egyptian dynasty that knew nothing of Joseph and his people.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>task'-mas-ter. (sar mac, "chief of the burden" or "levy" (Ex 1:11); noghes, "distress," "driver," "oppressor," "raiser of taxes," "taskmaster" (Ex 3:7; 5:6,10,13,14)): 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 (Ex 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.SARIS">RAB-SARIS /JL(which see) and JL:Jump,"RABSHAKEH"RABSHAKEH /JL(which see) with a great host against Jerusalem. The names of the-two officials are not known.</p><p>Frank E. Hirsch</p>