Hello Notch, thanks for writing.

You said: "How long did God wait to redeem Israel? How many Israelites died during this time?"

Israel wasn't enslaved the entire time. For the first few generations in Egypt, Israel was in a privileged position, living in the best land, enjoying a good life.

But once their position changed, God intervened. As usual, He gives chances. He didn't immediately destroy Egypt. He gave warnings, culminating in the 10 plagues, giving chance after chance for Egyptians to repent.

And many did.

Many Egyptians went up with the Israelites when they left Egypt, no longer desiring to be part of that culture.