Exodus 1-2

“Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph (1:8).  After years of prospering in Egypt, the Israelites entered an era of oppression and suffering.  Suddenly, because of their growth, they were no longer welcomed; they became hated foreigners, slaves, people viewed with suspicion (ch 1). But “God heard their groaning” (2:24).  And in their difficulties, women like Moses’ mother and sister and the courageous midwives found ways to be faithful to the Lord.

The Israelites carried “heavy burdens,” but this circumstance didn’t mean God had forgotten them (1:11).  He sees our troubles, He has compassion on us, and He sends us deliverance.