Parshat Shemot: Why did the children of Israel cry out when Pharaoh died?

The connection between the death of the Pharaoh and the children of Israel crying out is not clear. After years of suffering, why would they suddenly feel more desperate because their oppressor was dead?

• Ramban and Hizkuni argue that while the first Pharaoh was alive they retained hope that slavery would be a temporary decree limited to the lifespan of that king. Once a new king had come to the throne it became clear that it was permanent.

• Rabbeinu Bahya suggests that they were afraid that an even worse king would rise to the throne and intensify their suffering.

For more on parshat Shemot, see Haggadah Berurah, the Haggadah that helps you tell the story of yetziat mitzrayim.