The Egyptian Oppression refers to the period of severe hardship and enslavement experienced by the Israelites in Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus. This era is a pivotal moment in biblical history, setting the stage for the Exodus, where God delivers His people from bondage.

Historical Context

The oppression began after the death of Joseph, who had risen to a position of power in Egypt and had brought his family to live in the land of Goshen. As the Israelites multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, a new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, ascended to power. Fearing the burgeoning population of the Israelites, he sought to suppress them through harsh measures.

Biblical Account

The Book of Exodus provides a detailed account of the oppression. Exodus 1:8-11 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.' So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor, and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh."

The Israelites were subjected to brutal labor, constructing cities and working in the fields. Despite the oppression, their numbers continued to grow, which further alarmed Pharaoh. In response, he intensified their suffering, as described 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 ruthlessly."