Position in the storyOppression and calling (Exodus 1–4)
Exodus 1: Israel enslaved in Egypt
Transformation state
- An oppressed people — Israel is a growing but enslaved people whose sons are threatened, crying out under forced labor with no deliverer yet in view.
What happens
Jacob's descendants multiply greatly in Egypt until a new king who did not know Joseph fears their numbers and sets taskmasters over them, forcing bitter labor in mortar and brick and building store cities. When the oppression fails to check their growth, Pharaoh orders the Hebrew midwives to kill every newborn son; because they revere God they refuse, and are blessed. Pharaoh then commands that every Hebrew boy be cast into the river.
- Israel multiplies in Egypt
- A new king enslaves the Hebrews
- Store cities built by forced labor
- The midwives spare the newborn sons
- Pharaoh orders the sons drowned
What follows
The threat to the newborn sons sets the stage for the rescue of one child who will grow to lead Israel out.
People
- Israel
- Joseph
- Pharaoh
- Puah
- Shiphrah
- The Hebrew midwives
Places
- Egypt
- Pithom
- Raamses
- The river
Themes
- fear
- forced labor
- oppression
- reverence for God
- survival