As the chapter progresses, Pharaoh’s attacks intensify and become more brazen. He begins with a shrewd attempt to control population. When that fails, he instructs the midwives to secretly kill Israelite boys. And when that does not work, he finally commands the open killing of Israelite children.
22 Alors Pharaon donna cet ordre à tout son peuple: Vous jetterez dans le fleuve tout garçon qui naîtra, et vous laisserez vivre toutes les filles.