The book of Exodus opens with the descendants of Jacob living in Egypt. As they grow in number, a new Pharaoh rises who does not know Joseph. Fearing their strength, he enslaves the Israelites and forces them into hard labor.

Pharaoh orders the killing of Hebrew baby boys, but two midwives refuse to obey. One child, Moses, is hidden by his mother and later placed in a basket on the river. Pharaoh’s daughter finds him, names him Moses, and raises him in the palace.

Years later, Moses kills an Egyptian who is beating a Hebrew and flees to Midian. There, he marries and becomes a shepherd. While tending sheep, Moses encounters God in a burning bush that is not consumed.

God speaks to Moses, reveals His name, and tells him to return to Egypt to bring the Israelites out of slavery. Moses objects, but God promises to be with him and sends him back to Pharaoh with a message of deliverance.