The theme of oppression by a new king is a significant motif in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Israelites' history. This theme is most prominently illustrated in the Book of Exodus, where the Israelites experience severe oppression under a new Pharaoh in Egypt.

Biblical Context

The account begins in Exodus 1, where a new king arises in Egypt who does not know Joseph. Joseph, a Hebrew, had previously risen to a position of power in Egypt and had saved the nation from famine. However, with the passage of time, the memory of Joseph's contributions fades, and the new Pharaoh views the growing population of Israelites as a threat. 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 far too numerous for us. Come, we must deal shrewdly with them, or they will become even more numerous, and if war breaks out, they will join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.'"

Nature of Oppression

The oppression under the new Pharaoh is characterized by harsh labor and cruel treatment. The Egyptians set taskmasters over the Israelites to afflict them with burdens, forcing them to build cities like Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh (Exodus 1:11). The severity of their labor is emphasized in Exodus 1:13-14 : "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 hard labor, the Egyptians used them ruth