Biblical Context:
The narrative of a new Pharaoh's oppression is found in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 1:8-22. This period marks a significant transition in the history of the Israelites, as they move from a position of favor in Egypt to one of severe oppression. The change in their circumstances is attributed to the rise of a new Pharaoh who did not know Joseph, the Hebrew who had risen to prominence in Egypt and saved the nation from famine.

Historical Background:
The Israelites had settled in Egypt during a time of famine, as recounted in the latter chapters of Genesis. Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, had become a powerful figure in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. His position allowed his family to settle in the land of Goshen, where they prospered and multiplied. However, as time passed and the memory of Joseph's contributions faded, a new Pharaoh ascended to the throne. This Pharaoh, whose identity is not specified in the biblical text, viewed the growing population of Israelites as a potential threat to national security.

Biblical Text:
Exodus 1:8-10 states, "Then a new king, who did not know Joseph, came to power in Egypt. 'Look,' he said to his people, 'the Israelites have become too numerous and too powerful for us. Come, we must deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more, and if war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.'"

Pharaoh's Strategy:
In response to his fears, the new Pharaoh implemented a series of oppressive measures aimed at curbing the growth and influence of the Israelites. He subjected them to harsh labor, forcing them to build the store cities of Pithom and Rameses. Despite the oppression, the Israelite population continued to grow, which only intensified Pharaoh's resolve to suppress them.

Exodus 1:11-14 describes this oppression: "So the Egyptians appointed taskmasters over the Israelites to oppress them with forced labor. As a result, they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and flourished; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. They worked the Israelites ruthlessly and made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their harsh labor, the Egyptians worked them ruthlessly."

Infanticide Decree:
In a further attempt to control the Israelite population, Pharaoh issued a brutal decree to the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, instructing them to kill all newborn Hebrew boys. However, the midwives feared God and did not comply with Pharaoh's orders, allowing the boys to live. When questioned by Pharaoh, they explained that Hebrew women were vigorous and gave birth before the midwives could arrive.

Exodus 1:15-17 recounts this: "Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, 'When you help the Hebrew women give birth, observe them on the birthstool. If it is a son, kill him; but if it is a daughter, let her live.' The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had told them; they let the boys live."

Divine Favor and Continued Oppression:
Because of their faithfulness, God dealt well with the midwives, and the Israelite population continued to increase. Pharaoh, undeterred, commanded all his people to throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River, while allowing the girls to live. This decree set the stage for the birth and preservation of Moses, who would later become the deliverer of the Israelites.

Exodus 1:20-22 concludes this section: "So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied and became even more numerous. And because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own. Then Pharaoh commanded all his people: 'Every son born to the Hebrews you must throw into the Nile, but every daughter you may allow to live.'"

Theological Implications:
The oppression under the new Pharaoh highlights themes of fear, power, and divine providence. Pharaoh's actions were driven by fear of losing control, leading to increasingly harsh measures against the Israelites. Despite this, the narrative underscores God's sovereignty and faithfulness, as He continued to bless and multiply His people even in the face of adversity. The courage of the Hebrew midwives serves as a testament to the power of faith and the importance of fearing God above human authority.