Moses and Aaron approach Pharaoh to request that the Israelites be allowed to leave Egypt to worship God in the wilderness, as God commanded. Pharaoh refuses, questioning who this God is and denying the request. Instead, he increases the workload of the Israelites, ordering them to produce the same quota of bricks without being provided straw, forcing them to gather it themselves. The Israelite foremen complain to Pharaoh about the harsh conditions, but he accuses them of laziness. Frustrated, the foremen confront Moses and Aaron, blaming them for making their situation worse. Moses, in turn, questions God about why the people are suffering more despite His promise of deliverance.