Exodus 1: Bible Study on Israel’s Oppression in Egypt

Exodus Chapter 1 introduces the story of the Israelites in Egypt, transitioning from the end of Genesis. It begins by listing Jacob’s sons who came to Egypt with him, totaling seventy people. After Joseph and his generation die, the Israelites multiply greatly, becoming numerous and strong. A new Pharaoh, who doesn’t know Joseph, sees their growth as a threat and enslaves them to curb their power. Taskmasters oppress them with harsh labor, forcing them to build cities like Pithom and Raamses. Despite this, the Israelites continue to increase, alarming the Egyptians further. Pharaoh then orders the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill newborn Hebrew boys, but they fear God and disobey, letting the boys live. When questioned, they claim Hebrew women deliver too quickly for them to intervene. God blesses the midwives for their fai