Topical Bible: Rulers: Wicked: Pharaoh, Oppressing the Israelites

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Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt during the time of the Israelites' bondage, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative of the Exodus. His reign is marked by a series of oppressive actions against the Israelites, who had settled in Egypt during the time of Joseph. Over time, the Israelites grew in number and strength, which led to fear and insecurity in the heart of Pharaoh, prompting him to act with cruelty and harshness.

Oppression of the Israelites

The Bible describes Pharaoh's oppressive measures in the book of Exodus. A new king arose in Egypt who did not know Joseph and perceived the Israelites as a threat. Exodus 1:9-10 states, "He said to his people, 'Look, the people of Israel 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.'"

In response to this perceived threat, Pharaoh subjected the Israelites to forced labor, making their lives bitter with hard service in mortar and brick and all kinds of work in the fields (Exodus 1:14). Despite the harsh conditions, the Israelites continued to multiply, which only intensified Pharaoh's resolve to suppress them.

Decree to Kill Hebrew Boys

Pharaoh's wickedness escalated when he commanded the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill all newborn Hebrew boys. However, the midwives feared God and did not comply with the king's orders, allowing the boys to live (Exodus 1:17). When questioned by Pharaoh, the midwives explained that Hebrew women were vigorous and gave birth before the midwives could arrive (Exodus 1:19).

Pharaoh then issued a more direct and brutal decree, commanding all his people to throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River while allowing the girls to live (Exodus 1:22). This decree set the stage for the birth and preservation of Moses, who would later become the deliverer of the Israelites.

Resistance and Deliverance

The narrative of Pharaoh's oppression is central to the account of the Exodus, where God raises Moses to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of His people. Pharaoh's heart is repeatedly hardened, and he refuses to let the Israelites go, even in the face of devastating plagues sent by God as judgments upon Egypt (Exodus 7-11).

Pharaoh's resistance to God's command culminates in the final and most severe plague—the death of the firstborn in Egypt. It is only after this plague that Pharaoh relents and allows the Israelites to leave (Exodus 12:31-32). However, his wickedness persists as he changes his mind and pursues the Israelites, leading to the dramatic crossing of the Red Sea and the destruction of the Egyptian army (Exodus 14).

Pharaoh's role as a wicked ruler is a testament to the themes of divine justice and deliverance found throughout the Scriptures. His oppression of the Israelites serves as a backdrop for God's mighty acts and the fulfillment of His promises to His people.

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Exodus 1:1
Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob.
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Exodus 2:1
And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi.
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Exodus 3:1
Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.
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Exodus 4:1
And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor listen to my voice: for they will say, The LORD has not appeared to you.
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Exodus 5:1
And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus said the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.
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Exodus 6:1
Then the LORD said to Moses, Now shall you see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.
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Exodus 7:1
And the LORD said to Moses, See, I have made you a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet.
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Exodus 8:1
And the LORD spoke to Moses, Go to Pharaoh, and say to him, Thus said the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.
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Exodus 9:1
Then the LORD said to Moses, Go in to Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus said the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.
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Exodus 10:1
And the LORD said to Moses, Go in to Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might show these my signs before him:
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Exodus 11:1
And the LORD said to Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more on Pharaoh, and on Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.
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Exposition of the Moral Law.
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