7
1But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.
Pharaoh Oppresses Israel
8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, 2who did not know Joseph.
9
And he said to his people, "Behold, 3the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us.
10
4Come, 5let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land."
11
Therefore they set taskmasters over them 6to afflict them with heavy 7burdens. They built for Pharaoh 8store cities, Pithom and 9Raamses.
12
But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel.