Pharaoh enslaved the Israelites because he feared their growing numbers and strength, believing they posed a threat to Egypt’s security. After Joseph’s generation died and a new Pharaoh arose who did not know Joseph, he viewed the Israelites not as honored guests, but as a potential enemy.
Exodus 1:8–10 says:
“Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, ‘Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we; come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and it happen, in the event of war, that they also join our enemies and fight against us, and so go up out of the land.'”
This reveals two motivations: fear of revolt and fear of losing control. The Israelites’ prosperity fulfilled God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:5), but Pharaoh saw it as a political problem. His solution was oppression through forced labor:
“Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh supply cities, Pithom and Raamses.” (Exodus 1:11)
Yet, the more they were afflicted, the more they multiplied (Exodus 1:12). Pharaoh’s plan opposed God’s covenant and ultimately set the stage for God to display His power through deliverance.
Pharaoh’s decision to enslave Israel reflects the world’s hostility toward God’s people and the futility of resisting His promises. What men intend for control, God uses for His glory and the good of His people.
