Exodus opens by listing the descendants of Jacob who came to Egypt. Over time, the Israelites multiply and become a mighty people. Joseph and those of his generation pass, and a new Pharaoh rises who does not remember Joseph and enslaves Israel, fearing their strength. Yet the more they are oppressed, the more they grow. Pharaoh orders the Hebrew midwives to kill all baby boys, but they fear God and refuse. God blesses their faithfulness with families of their own, and Israel continues to flourish—setting the stage for divine deliverance.