The beginning of Exodus clearly ties the story of Israel’s plight to the preceding narratives of Genesis: Jacob’s kiddos are listed, and Joseph is mentioned as “already in Egypt” (Exod 1:1–5). The sons of Jacob are, of course, the reason Israel ended up in Egypt in the first place. By recalling the events of Genesis 37–50, the reader is given a reminder of how Israel got themselves into this predicament — trickery and striving for good on one’s own terms. It’s become the family business.

Once the reminder of Genesis 37–50 is in place, the slate is wiped clean for a new story:

And Joseph died and all his brothers and all that generation (Exod 1:6).

Finally, before moving into the Exodus story proper, the reader is reminded of the broader context of Genesis. Part of the mission given to Adam—and Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—is actually being accomplished:

And the sons of Israel were fruitful and increased and multiplied and became exceedingly strong. The land was filled with them. (Exod 1:7)

At this point, with the full context of Genesis in mind, a new enemy enters the scene, and I’m struck by his snaky resemblance. The new “king over Egypt” points the way forward with these words:

Come, let us deal shrewdly with them … (Exod 1:10)

Pharaoh plots to “deal shrewdly” just like the snake was described as “crafty” in Genesis 3:1. Both phrases could be positive or negative; both phrases have to do with employing insight to get things done. Both are words related to wisdom. The question is always how shrewdness and craftiness are used and for what purpose. In Genesis 3:1, the snake’s craftiness was highlighted as a threat to humanity. In the opening verses of Exodus, Pharaoh’s shrewdness is the threat.

The characterization of Pharaoh as a “snaky threat” is striking when you consider what happens to Pharaoh. As Moses and Miraiam will sing, “The horse and rider” (will soon be) “thrown into the sea” (Exod 15:21). God versus Pharaoh/Egypt is the defining act of salvation in Old Testament history, and it’s a preview of the broader biblical battle that will wound the snake’s head (Gen 3:15).