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The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Online
TASKMASTER
task'-mas-ter. (sar mac, "chief of the burden" or "levy" (Exodus 1:11); noghes, "distress," "driver," "oppressor," "raiser of taxes," "taskmaster" (Exodus 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 (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.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.
Frank E. Hirsch