The Israelites' sojourn in Egypt is a significant period in biblical history, marked by both prosperity and suffering, and it sets the stage for the dramatic events of the Exodus. This era is primarily chronicled in the Book of Genesis and the Book of Exodus.

Arrival in Egypt

The journey of the Israelites to Egypt begins with Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob (also known as Israel). Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph eventually rises to a position of power in Egypt, becoming second only to Pharaoh (Genesis 41:40-41). During a severe famine, Joseph's brothers come to Egypt seeking food, leading to a reconciliation with Joseph and the eventual migration of Jacob's entire family to Egypt. Genesis 46:27 records that seventy members of Jacob's family settled in Egypt.

Prosperity in Goshen

Initially, the Israelites were well-received in Egypt. Pharaoh granted them the land of Goshen, a fertile area suitable for their livestock (Genesis 47:6). Under Joseph's administration, the Israelites thrived and multiplied greatly. This period of prosperity lasted for several generations, during which the Israelites maintained their distinct identity and traditions.

Oppression and Enslavement

The situation changed dramatically with the rise of a new Pharaoh "who did not know Joseph" (Exodus 1:8). Fearing the growing number and strength of the Israelites, this Pharaoh enslaved them, subjecting them to harsh labor in building projects such as the store cities of Pithom and Rameses (Exodus 1:11). Despite the oppression, the Israelites continued to multiply, which further alarmed the Egyptians.

In an attempt to curb their population, Pharaoh ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill all newborn Hebrew boys. However, the midwives feared God and disobeyed the king's orders, allowing the boys to live (Exodus 1:17). Pharaoh then commanded that every Hebrew boy be thrown into the Nile River (Exodus 1:22).

The Birth of Moses

During this time of oppression, Moses was born to a Levite family. His mother, Jochebed, hid him for three months and then placed him in a basket on the Nile, where he was discovered and adopted by Pharaoh's daughter (Exodus 2:3-5). Raised in the Egyptian court, Moses later fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave (Exodus 2:12).

God's Deliverance

The cries of the Israelites under slavery reached God, who remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 2:24). God called Moses from the burning bush to lead His people out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10). Despite initial reluctance, Moses returned to Egypt, where he confronted Pharaoh with God's demand: "Let My people go" (Exodus 5:1).

The Plagues and the Exodus

Pharaoh's refusal to release the Israelites led to a series of ten devastating plagues upon Egypt, demonstrating God's power and judgment. The final plague, the death of the firstborn, prompted Pharaoh to release the Israelites (Exodus 12:31). The Israelites departed in haste, marking the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land.

Significance

The Israelites' time in Egypt is a foundational narrative in the Bible, illustrating themes of God's providence, faithfulness, and deliverance. It underscores the importance of obedience to God and the fulfillment of His promises, setting the stage for the covenant at Sinai and the establishment of Israel as a nation.