Exodus 1:7-12

7 aBut 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

8Now there arose a new king over Egypt, bwho did not know Joseph. 9And he said to his people, “Behold, cthe people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. 10 dCome, elet 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.” 11Therefore they set taskmasters over them fto afflict them with heavy gburdens. They built for Pharaoh hstore cities, Pithom and iRaamses. 12But 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.
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