11Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens. They built for Pharaoh store cities, Pithom and Raamses.
“They” refers to the Egyptian people as a whole. Pharaoh did not act alone in oppressing Israel but had the support and participation of his people. Clearly, they had been convinced by Pharaoh’s concerns and the need to deal shrewdly with Israel.
11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens. They built for Pharaoh store cities, Pithom and Raamses.