The Israelis Prosper in Egypt

1These are the names of the Israelisa who entered Egypt with Jacob, each one having come with his family:b 2Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, 3Issacar, Zebulun, Benjamin, 4Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. 5All those who descended fromc Jacob totaled 75 persons.d Now Joseph was alreadye in Egypt. 6Then Joseph, all his brothers, and that entire generation died. 7But the Israelis were fruitful and increased abundantly.f They multiplied in numbers and became very, very strong. As a result, the land was filled with them.

The Israelis Become Slaves

8Eventually a new king who was unacquainted with Joseph came to power ing Egypt. 9He told his people, “Look, the Israeli people are more numerous and more powerful than we are. 10Come on, let’s be careful how we treat them, so that when they grow numerous, if a war breaks out they won’t join our enemies, fight against us, and leave our land.” 11So the Egyptiansh placed supervisors over them, oppressing them with heavy burdens. The Israelisi built the supply cities of Pithom and Rameses for Pharaoh. 12But the more the Egyptians afflicted the Israelis,j the more they multiplied and flourished, so that the Egyptiansk became terrified ofl the Israelis. 13The Egyptians ruthlessly forced the Israelis to serve them, 14making their lives bitter through hard labor with mortar, bricks, and all kinds of outdoor labor. They ruthlessly imposed all thism work on them.

Pharaoh Orders Male Children Killed

15Later, the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah. 16“When you help the Hebrew women give birth,” he said, “watch them as they deliver.n If it’s a son, kill him; but if it’s a daughter, let her live.” 17But the midwives feared God and didn’t do what the king of Egypt told them. Instead,o they let the boys live.

18When the king of Egypt called for the midwives, he asked them, “Why have you done thisp and allowed the boys to live?”

19“Hebrew women aren’t like Egyptian women,” the midwives replied to Pharaoh. “They’re so healthy that they give birth before the midwives arrive to helpq them.”

20God was pleased with the midwives, and the people multiplied and became very strong. 21Because the midwives feared God, he provided familiesr for them. 22Meanwhile, Pharaoh continued commanding all of his people, “You’re to throw every Hebrews son who is born into the Nile River,t but you’re to allow every Hebrewu daughter to live.”