The oppression of Israel is a recurring theme throughout the biblical narrative, reflecting periods when the Israelites faced subjugation, persecution, and hardship under foreign powers or due to internal strife. This theme is significant in understanding the spiritual and historical journey of the Israelites as God's chosen people.

Egyptian Bondage

The first major oppression of Israel occurred in Egypt, where the Israelites were enslaved for several centuries. This period of bondage is detailed in the Book of Exodus. The Egyptians, fearing the growing population of the Israelites, subjected them to harsh labor. Exodus 1:13-14 states, "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