1)
What are the ramifications of the fact that it was Pharaoh who first proposed the idea to enslave Yisrael?
1.
Sotah 11a, Rashi (to Shemos 7:28): Since he initiated the decree, the punishment would begin with him, as the Torah writes - "u'Vecha, uv'Amecha... Ya'alu ha'Tzefarde'im" (7:29).
2.
Maharal (Gevuros Hashem Ch. 14, p. 69): Hashem brought it about this way; it was fitting that Bnei Yisrael be slaves to the king, and not slaves to his subjects (who were themselves slaves). 1
1
See Rashi to 20:2. Also refer to 7:28:1.2:1. However, at a later point, any Mitzri could in fact commandeer a Yisrael and subjugate him at whim; refer to 1:13:1:1, 1:13:1:1 2
, and 1:12:1.1:1.
