The Egyptians and the new Pharaoh were getting concerned as the Hebrew population was exploding. This presented a concern for the Egyptians because of their fear that their neighboring enemy, the Hittites, would come into alliance with the Hebrews to formulate an even larger enemy. This perhaps directed the desire to enslave God’s people and set taskmasters over them. “But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.” (Exd 1:12) Remember, there is blessing with affliction. Peter writes, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.” (1Pe 4:12) The apostle Peter begins to share the necessity of trials and afflictions. These afflictions are not uncommon to the body of Christ. Paul declares a purpose behind the event. “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.” (2 Cor 4:16-18) Our old man may perish, but the inward or spiritual man is renewed each day. Thanks for the reminder Lord!