I haven’t read the Bible book of Exodus for a long time. Even if we are familiar with some verses, they are good to refresh our minds. The Egyptians were alarmed how many Israelis there had become. So many they were afraid the Israelis might overthrow the leaders and their country:

“The king told his people,
‘These Israelis are becoming dangerous to us
Because there are so many of them.
Let’s figure out a way to put an end to this.
 If we don’t, and war breaks out ,
They will join our enemies and fight against us
And escape out of our country.’
So the Egyptians made slaves of them
And put brutal taskmasters over them to wear them down
Under heavy burdens while they were building (two cities).
But the more the Egyptians mistreated and oppressed them,
The more the Israelis seemed to multiply.”
~ Exodus 1:9 – 12 LAB
 
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Bible Commentary:  “The Egyptians tried to wear down the Hebrew people by forcing them into slavery and mistreating them. Instead, the Hebrews multiplied and grew stronger. When we are burdened or mistreated, we may feel defeated. But our burdens can make us stronger and develop qualities in us that will prepare us for the future. One cannot overcome without troubles to come over. Thank God for the hard times, because even the worst situations can make us better people in the long run.”

 
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