So, in Exodus 5: Pharaoh is being a real jerk and makes the Israelites work harder than before. He even goes so far as to tell the Israelite supervisors that if they don't make the quota, then they will be punished. So, Moses and Aaron go to Pharaoh and tell him to let the people go. Pharaoh says no, and he makes their work even harder. So, there you have it: Pharaoh is a real scoundrel, and the Israelites get the short end of the stick.