1. The Twelve Tribes- Verses 1-5
This paragraph connects Genesis and Exodus. We are reminded that Israel’s vast number began as a family of seventy souls.
Here we are again introduced to the twelve sons of Jacob who were each father of tribes. The number twelve is significant in scripture. Think of the twelve apostles (Revelation 21:12-14). Remember however that there were actually thirteen tribes. In the book of Numbers the tribe of Joseph is divided into Ephraim and Manasseh, while Levi is not mentioned (Numbers 1:5-15, 47-53). In the book of Revelation, Ephraim is called Joseph and Levi is mentioned while Dan is omitted (Revelation 7:5-8).

2.The Passing Of A Generation- Verse 6
This sentence brings us to the time surrounding Moses’ birth.

3. God Keeps His Word- Verse 7
What description is given here. God was obviously causing the nation to multiply beyond what might be expected. This was done in fulfillment of God’s prophetic promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:2 & 15:5).

4. A New Dynasty- Verses 8-11
A new ruler came into power that viewed Israel with fear and suspicion. All memory of and appreciation for Joseph was gone. The vast body of people who as Israelites had remained segregated from the rest of Egypt was viewed as liabilities to be feared.
This produced three attempts to destroy Israel as a people. In this we see the age-old enmity of Genesis 3:15 assume greater proportions as nations clash. Satan has ever tried to destroy God’s people and God's Christ.
This first attempt to destroy Israel is mentioned in verse 11. The king tried to break them with bitter and arduous labor. The people who were invited into Egypt as honored guests were turned into slaves.

5. Egypt's Unsuccessful Persecution- Verses 12-14
Satan, whenever able, will provoke men against God's people (Ezra 4:11-12, Esther 3:8). What a folly to fight against God. Every effort of Pharaoh was futile. Like the burning bush, the fire could burn but not consume Israel (Psalm 32:10, 33:18-22). The more they suffered, the more they grew.
While Egypt was not permitted to destroy Israel, they were permitted to make their lives miserable. God was preparing Israel to desire redemption. Egypt, like sin, is a hard taskmaster. God often uses the burdens of Egypt to make His people desire redemption and the rest found in Canaan.

6. God-fearing Women- Verses 15-21
In these verses is recorded the record of the second attempt to destroy Israel. See here the desperate evil of the human heart. Imagine requesting midwives to murder newborns. We could scarcely believe this if we did not see the abortion industry busy in our day.
Satan is a murderer and delights to destroy human life (John 8:44). As was already mentioned, he is especially keen to destroy the line of Christ (Genesis 3:15). Think of how Herod killed the male children in Bethlehem while trying to destroy Christ. Then and in Exodus it was Satan leading these rulers on.
Notice how several thoughts suggested by our narrative:
A. We are never obligated to disobey God. The obedience owed to government, parents, or husbands should never be seen as an excuse to disobey God (Acts 5:29).
B. God honors those who honor Him (I Samuel 2:30). The midwives feared God and He blessed them (Verse 21). It would appear that they were barren or unmarried before this.
C. No one can hinder God's plan (Psalm 33:10-11, Exodus 9:16, Daniel 4:35). Wicked men become instruments in His plan. God made childbirth easier for the Jewish women and defeated Satan's rage. The Lord protects us today and will watch over His people in every age (Revelation 12:1-17).

7. Pharaoh’s Desperate Plan- Verse 22
In desperation Pharaoh demands that the Israelites destroy their own baby boys at birth. This was his third attempt to crush God's people. Again we see the futility of fighting against God. As the next chapter reveals, Pharaoh only succeeded in raising Israel's deliverer in his own house. God turns the wrath of evil men into an avenue for His own glory (Psalm 76:10).