“... The words of the king (“How many thousands do you suppose to be?”—“It is but a small matter indeed”) is nothing but a replica of Pharaoh’s respond: “And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many [...] and ye make them rest from their burdens” (Exod. 5:5). There are too many Jews to let them go. It is too costly even for King the Liberator, let alone Pharaoh the Wicked. However, Ptolemy’s sound of resignation (“it is but a small matter, indeed, that Aristeas asks of us”) is followed by a demonstration of the king’s generosity. Not only those who had accompanied his father’s army were liberated, but also any who were there previously or had been brought into the kingdom subsequently (20). “The king himself... made the addition” to his decree (26). Pharaoh, on the other hand, also issued an additional order. He “commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying, Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore” (Exod. 5:6–7). While Pharaoh looks like a classical Scrooge, Philadelphus exhibits generosity and magnanimity. ...”