Exodus begins by recounting how God’s people, the Israelites, multiplied in Egypt after Joseph’s death. A new pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, enslaved the Israelites and ruthlessly oppressed them out of fear of their growing population. Despite the pharaoh’s cruel orders, including infanticide, God preserved his people. Faithful midwives defied the king’s orders and obeyed God instead. The theme “during the time of slavery” reminds us that even in dark times of suffering, God is at work preparing deliverance and fulfilling his promises.
