Exodus Chapter 1: The Oppression of Israel
Exodus chapter 1 introduces the Israelites' arrival in Egypt and their subsequent oppression under a new Pharaoh. After Joseph's death, the Israelites multiplied greatly, causing fear among the Egyptians. In response, Pharaoh enslaved them and ordered the killing of Hebrew male infants. However, the Hebrew midwives, fearing God, disobeyed Pharaoh's orders and preserved the lives of the boys. This chapter sets the stage for the Israelites' struggle and God's eventual deliverance.