Exodus 5 :6

The task-masters of the people and their officers - The task-masters were Egyptians, (see Clarke on Exodus 1:11 (note)), the officers were Hebrews; see Clarke below Exodus 5:14 (note). But it is probable that the task-masters Exodus 1:11, who are called שרי מסים sarey missim, princes of the burdens or taxes, were different from those termed taskmasters here, as the words are different; נגשים nogesim signifies exactors or oppressors - persons who exacted from them an unreasonable proportion either of labor or money.

Officers - שטרים shoterim; those seem to have been an inferior sort of officers, who attended on superior officers or magistrates to execute their orders. They are supposed to have been something like our sheriffs.

Their officers - Or scribes. Hebrews able to keep accounts in writing, appointed by the Egyptian superintendents, and responsible to them for the work; see Exodus 5:14. Subordinate officers are frequently represented on Egyptian monuments, giving in written accounts to their immediate superiors.

5:6 The task - masters, were Egyptians, the officers were Israelites employed under them.