Exodus 1

In this opening chapter, the scene is set with the Israelites in Egypt, who have multiplied exceedingly. The new Pharaoh, who didn’t know Joseph, sees them as a threat.

To counter this perceived threat, Pharaoh orders harsh labor and affliction upon the Israelites. He also orders the midwives to kill any newborn Hebrew boy, but the midwives fear God and do not obey Pharaoh.