The Story of Israel in the Land of Egypt

In answer to these question, we will tell the story of Israel in the land of Egypt.

The story of the Jews in Egypt begins with Joseph. Joseph was a Jew in Egypt long before the Passover story begins. The Pharaoh had a dream which Joseph interpreted as foretelling a great famine. Joseph instructed the Pharaoh to stockpile the nations grain in order that Egypt may survive the famine. The Pharaoh followed his advice, and because of this, the people of Egypt had enough food. The Pharaoh was grateful to Joseph and made him a prince.

The famine included Egypt's neighbors who did not have enough food. The hunger in the land which is now Israel drove Joseph's family to Egypt in search of food. There were now seventy Jews in Egypt, who multiplied over the years.

After Joseph died a new Pharaoh arose. He forgot how well Joseph had served Egypt and felt threatened by the Israelites. He made the Israelites slaves and ordered that all the baby boys be put to death.

One day a baby boy was born to Amram and Jochabed. His five-year-old sister, Miriam proclaimed that he would grow up and save the children of Israel. Jochabed tried to hide him from Pharaoh’s soldiers. She made a basket and placed him in it. Miriam hid him in the bulrushes and watched over him.

Pharaoh’s daughter came down to the river to bathe with her handmaidens.