38 The last section of this event tells the effect of the oppression on Israel, first on the people (15–19) and then on Moses and Aaron (20–21). The immediate reaction of Israel was to cry to Pharaoh—something they would learn should be directed to God. When Pharaoh rebuffed them harshly, they turned bitterly against their leaders.
39 The imperfect tense should be classified here with the progressive imperfect nuance, because the harsh treatment was a present reality.

In other versions

Then the foremen of the people of Israel came and cried to Pharaoh, “Why do you treat your servants like this?

Then the Israelite overseers went and appealed to Pharaoh: “Why have you treated your servants this way?

So the Israelite foremen went in and cried for help to Pharaoh: “Why are you treating your servants this way?

So the Israelite foremen went to Pharaoh and pleaded with him. “Please don’t treat your servants like this,” they begged.

And the foremen of the Israelites came and cried out to Pharaoh, saying, “Why do you treat your servants like this?

Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants?

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