was true that they were only tolerated foreigners, but that had been their status also in Canaan. In Egypt it was easier to forget the fact, because they had been given exceptional privileges, thanks to Joseph’s position at court. There the shepherd’s life had been very hard (Gen. 31:38–40), but here it was relatively easy, for the land of Goshen was recognized as being particularly suited for pasture (Gen. 47:6). In addition, as will be stressed when dealing with the plagues on Egypt (chapters 7–9),