In the last chapter, we discussed Joseph - the dreamer who was sold into slavery by his brothers ... the dreamer who rose to a position of prominence and power ... the dreamer who brought the Israelites down into Egypt, where they were preserved during a time of world famine.

The Hebrews remained in Egypt for about 400 years. Gradually, as might be expected, conditions changed. New Pharaohs assumed authority; new dynasties rose and fell; new leaders emerged; new policies were promulgated. Joseph and the past were forgotten. Eventually, the Egyptians repressed and subdued the Jewish people, enslaving them. The children of Israel had come into Egypt as honored guests, as the family of the "prime minister." Now they labored and toiled in bondage.

At length, God decided that it was time to t…