Exodus 1:16 And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.

Exodus 1:16 and he said, "When you are helping the Hebrew women to give birth and see [them] upon the birthstool, if it is a son, then you shall put him to death; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live."

16. if it be a son, then ye shall kill him--Opinions are divided, however, what was the method of destruction which the king did recommend. Some think that the "stools" were low seats on which these obstetric practitioners sat by the bedside of the Hebrew women; and that, as they might easily discover the sex, so, whenever a boy appeared, they were to strangle it, unknown to its parents; while others are of opinion that the "stools" were stone troughs, by the river side--into which, when the infants were washed, they were to be, as it were, accidentally dropped.

JFB.

Exodus 1 Images and Notes

Brief Summary: The children of Israel multiply abundantly, The Egyptians decide to make the Hebrews their slaves, Pharaoh orders the death of all Hebrew male children.

Outline
1 The children of Israel multiply after Joseph's death
8 The more they are oppressed by a new king, the more they multiply
15 The midwives fear God and sure the men children alive
22 Pharaoh commands the male children be cast into the river.

Relief of Ancient Egyptian Beating Slaves