SUMMARY
An unnamed pharaoh, fearing the growth of Israel, lurches from one futile policy to another.
ANALYSIS
After the memory of Joseph no longer provides a protective shield for Israel, Israel’s conditions in Egypt change markedly. The blessing to multiply carries over from Genesis, but the blessingBlessing is the asking for or the giving of God's favor. Isaac was tricked into blessing Jacob instead of his firstborn Esau. At the Last Supper Jesus offered a blessing over bread and wine. To be blessed is to be favored by God. More is countered by the threat it poses to Pharaoh. He is beset with fear that they pose a security threat. To counter the threat of their joining an invading enemy, he seeks to limit their vitality by working them into exhaustion. But the tactic backfires. Their numbers increase and they become a dread to the Egyptians. Pharaoh looks silly. Yet, while the narrative may be mocking Pharaoh, a serious side remains; Israel’s plight is becoming entrenched and is deepening.
