Exodus 5:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

At the outset, it is understood that he will render the fulfillment of his demands challenging to achieve, so that evil, due to its previously excessive ease of attainment, does not become complacent and fully satisfied. This concept, I believe, is illustrated by the emphasis on the quantity of bricks required and the removal of what aids their formation, namely straw. By our very nature, we tend to exert great effort for what is familiar to us, and our longing intensifies when obstacles arise that hinder our ability to achieve it.