Biblical Context:
Pharaoh's command to all his people is a significant event recorded in the Book of Exodus, which marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Israelites in Egypt. This decree is a direct response to the rapid multiplication and perceived threat of the Hebrew population within Egypt. The command is issued by the Pharaoh who "did not know Joseph" (Exodus 1:8), indicating a new dynasty or a shift in the political landscape that no longer favored the Israelites.

Scriptural Reference:
The specific command is found in Exodus 1:22: "Then Pharaoh commanded all his people: 'Every son born to the Hebrews you must throw into the Nile, but every daughter you may allow to live.'" . This edict follows a series of oppressive measures aimed at curbing the growth and influence of the Israelites, including forced labor and the enslavement of the Hebrew people.

Historical and Cultural Background:
The command to cast Hebrew male infants into the Nile River reflects the extreme measures taken by the Egyptian monarchy to control the population and prevent any potential uprising. The Nile, a central element of Egyptian life and economy, becomes a tool of oppression and death in this narrative. This decree also highlights the perceived threat that the Israelites posed to the Egyptians, as they were seen as a growing foreign element within the land.

Theological Significance:
From a theological perspective, Pharaoh's command represents the embodiment of evil and opposition to God's covenant people. It sets the stage for God's deliverance of Israel and the subsequent plagues that demonstrate His power over Egypt and its gods. The decree also foreshadows the deliverance of Moses, who, despite the command, is saved by divine providence and later becomes the leader who will confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of bondage.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
Pharaoh's command raises profound moral and ethical questions about the sanctity of life and the lengths to which human authorities may go to maintain power and control. It serves as a stark reminder of the potential for human governance to become tyrannical and unjust, especially when it stands in opposition to God's purposes and plans.

Impact on the Israelite Community:
The decree had a profound impact on the Israelite community, instilling fear and sorrow among the people. It also led to acts of civil disobedience, as seen in the actions of the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, who "feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live" (Exodus 1:17). Their courage and faithfulness to God over Pharaoh's command highlight the theme of divine allegiance over earthly authority.

Legacy and Typology:
Pharaoh's command and the subsequent events in Exodus have been seen as typological of later biblical narratives, including Herod's massacre of the innocents in the New Testament (Matthew 2:16-18). Both events underscore the recurring theme of God's protection and deliverance of His chosen people amidst persecution and attempts to thwart His divine plan.

In summary, Pharaoh's command to all his people is a critical moment in biblical history that underscores the conflict between divine providence and human authority, setting the stage for the miraculous deliverance of the Israelites and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.