8406. 'And the children of Israel said to them' means the thoughts arising in a troubled state of mind. This is clear from the meaning of 'saying', when it applies to the kinds of things that affect the mind, as thoughts, as also in 3395, 7094, 7244, 7937. The fact that it was a troubled state of mind in which they arose is self-evident, since they occurred in temptation.

7094. 'And Pharaoh said' means thinking that was of a contrary nature. This is clear from the meaning of 'saying' as thinking, dealt with in 3395. The fact that the meaning here is thinking of a contrary nature on the part of those who engage in molestation, who are represented by 'Pharaoh', is evident from what follows next - Pharaoh did not leave off at all, but oppressed the children of Israel all the more.