Exodus 1:1-11 ▼

1 These are the names of the Israelis who entered Egypt with Jacob, each one having come with his family:

2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah,

3 Issacar, Zebulun, Benjamin,

4 Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

5 All those who descended from Jacob totaled 75 persons. Now Joseph was already in Egypt.

6 Then Joseph, all his brothers, and that entire generation died.

7 But the Israelis were fruitful and increased abundantly. They multiplied in numbers and became very, very strong. As a result, the land was filled with them.

8 Eventually a new king who was unacquainted with Joseph came to power in Egypt.

9 He told his people, |Look, the Israeli people are more numerous and more powerful than we are.

10 Come 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.|

11 So the Egyptians placed supervisors over them, oppressing them with heavy burdens. The Israelis built the supply cities of Pithom and Rameses for Pharaoh.