1. Verse 8 says that he (the king of Egypt) knew nothing about Joseph and what he had done.

2. The new king responded to the people whom he did not know or take the time to understand, in fear and comparison:  “…look the people of Israel now outnumber us and are stronger than we” (Exodus 1:8 NLT).

3. He reacts to his fears and comparisons. “We must make a plan to keep them from growing more” (Exodus 1:10 NLT).

4. Then he speculates the worst. “If we don’t, and if war breaks out, they will join our enemies and fight against us. Then they will escape from the country” (Exodus 1:10 NLT).

Question: Why is it such a concern for the king if the Israelites were to escape from the country?

5. As the chapter continues in verses 11-14, the king continues to react: He made them their slaves, appointed brutal slave drivers, hoped to wear them down with crushing labor, forced labor, and worked them without mercy.

6. In the middle of it all, God strengthens and grows His people.

7. Important lesson: If you try to control people, instead of allowing them to work in their strengths and gifts, they will only find a way to continue to grow and move out to serve elsewhere in the fullness of their gift, leaving you the fool and tyrant.

1. Know the people and the history of those with whom you work and lead.

2. Appreciate each person’s unique gifts and do not fear or compare yourself with them.

3. Failing to do the above leads to fear, speculation, and your acting as a cruel dictator.