Ramses' father had the Jewish boys killed, so Moses' mother put him in a basket in the river to save him. Later on God kills off the first born Egyptian boys for Justice as Ramses refuses to let Moses' people go.

Harod found out that the Messiah was about to be born, and ordered baby boys born on a certain date to be killed. Having the Messiah arrive meant it would be the end of Harod's power.