Exodus 1:12
“But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.”
Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.
Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.
But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.
And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour:
And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.
Counter-Arguments
The strongest case that this verse does not belong in this theme.
Cross-References
“And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies.”
“And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:”
“Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say:”
“And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew, and multiplied exceedingly.”
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”