Pharaoh Schemed First and Was Struck First

"And there arose a new king" (Exodus 1:8). Rav and Samuel. One said: literally new, as it is written "new." And one said: that his decrees were renewed, since it does not write "and he died and another reigned." And what is "did not know"? That he made himself like one who did not know Joseph at all. "And he said to his people" (Exodus 1:9), he began with the scheme first, therefore he was struck first, as it is written, "upon you and upon your people and upon all your servants the frogs shall come up" (Exodus 7:29). "And he said to his people" (written below in remez 166). "Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more numerous and mighty than we" (Exodus 1:9). From where are they fruitful and multiply? From Him, as it is said, "O Lord, from the fountain of Israel" (Psalms 68:27). "Come, let us deal wisely with him" (Exodus 1:10), he blasphemed against Heaven above. "Lest they multiply, and it come to pass that when war is called, they too are added to our enemies and go up from the land" (Exodus 1:10). As long as Israel is in the lowest descent, they rise. And so David said, "For our soul is bowed down to the dust" (Psalms 44:26), and at that hour, "Arise for our help, and redeem us for the sake of Your lovingkindness" (Psalms 44:27).