The first part of the book of Exodus sets the scene for God's deliverance of his chosen people, Israel, from slavery in Egypt.

Israel is being persecuted by an Egyptian pharaoh, probably Thutmose I.

Beginning with 70 individuals, the nation of Israel multiplies so quickly that they soon fill the land.

Such growth causes Pharaoh great concern, since the Israelites might join others and attack Egypt.

To lessen the threat from Israel's growing strength, Pharaoh enslaves the Israelites, forcing them to build two storage cities, Pithom and Rameses. In spite of persecution, Israel continues to multiply.

In his continuing efforts to curb Israel's strength, Pharaoh tells the Hebrew midwives to kill all Israelite male babies at birth. "But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king and allowed the boys to live."

Finally, Pharaoh orders his people to throw all Israelite male babies into the Nile River.