Exodus 1

The book of Exodus opens centuries after Joseph’s time, showing the Israelites multiplying so rapidly in Egypt that a new Pharaoh views them as a threat. Fearing their growing strength, he cruelly enslaves the Hebrew people and forces them into brutal labor, attempting to control their population. When this fails, Pharaoh issues a chilling decree that all newborn Hebrew boys must be killed by drowning in the Nile River. This chapter sets the stage for the massive conflict between the power of Egypt and God's plan to protect His chosen people.