Final answer:
The Hebrews became enslaved in Egypt after a period of initial welcome. Moses, a Hebrew raised as Egyptian royalty, led them to freedom and received the Ten Commandments, a journey celebrated during Passover. This narrative, though not strongly supported by archaeological evidence, is central to Jewish identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
How The Jews Became Slaves in Egypt and the Exodus
The ancient Hebrews moved to Egypt around 1800 BCE during a famine and were initially welcomed by the Hyksos dynasty. However, with the rise of the New Kingdom in Egypt, the Hebrews' status changed drastically. The biblical account details that they were subjected to enslavement and harsh labor, particularly in building projects. This prolonged suffering led to a critical point when an Egyptian Pharaoh decreed the killing of all male Hebrew infants. A Hebrew baby, Moses, was saved by being cast into the Nile and later adopted by the Pharaoh's daughter, growing up among Egyptian royalty.
Years later, Moses became aware of his Hebrew identity and embarked on his mission to free his people. After witnessing a series of plagues, including the death of the firstborn Egyptian sons, the Pharaoh released the Hebrews. This event, commemorated during Passover, marks the Hebrews' departure from Egypt, known as the Exodus. Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt, notably across the Red Sea and into the wilderness, eventually reaching Mount Sinai, where he received the Ten Commandments.
The Hebrews' journey from slavery to freedom is a central narrative of the Jewish faith, symbolizing divine intervention and deliverance. Despite limited archaeological evidence, this account remains a foundational story of religious and cultural identity for Jews around the world, celebrated annually at the Passover seder.