Egypt (2): Out from the House of Bondage

In last month’s article, we paused our story at the Israelites’ persecution by “a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph” (Ex. 1:8). Though he is not mentioned by name, the historical context indicates that this pharaoh was a ruler of New Kingdom Egypt who was worried about the presence of foreigners in his land. The book of Exodus tells us that his response was to enslave the Israelites in hopes of destroying them as a nation. Instead, God would use these circumstances to free his people...