Parashat Shemot – Summary

Introduction

Parashat Shemot introduces all of the characters who play a role in the story of the Exodus.
Chapter 1 provides the backdrop for the Israelites being in Egypt and describes Paroh's efforts to enslave and exterminate them.
Chapter 2 gives an account of Moshe's early life, how he came to be in Midyan, and what prompted God's decision to redeem the nation.
Chapters 3-4 begin to assemble these pieces with Hashem's appointment of Moshe to lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt and Moshe's return to Egypt.
Chapter 5 describes Moshe's initial and failed efforts to realize this mission.