1 These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his household:
2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah,
3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin,
4 Dan the land had rest from war.
5 All the descendants of Jacob were seventy persons; Joseph was already in Egypt.
6 Then Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation.
7 But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.
8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.
9 And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us.
10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.”
11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens.
12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel.
13 So they ruthlessly made the people of Israel work as slaves.
14 and made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and brick, and in all kinds of work in the field. In all their work they ruthlessly made them work as slaves.
15 Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah,
16 “When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.”
17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live.
18 And the king of Egypt called the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and let the male children live?”
19 Then the midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.”
20 So God dealt well with the midwives. And the people multiplied and grew very strong.
21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families.
22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.”
The True Meaning of Exodus 1
The Book of Exodus was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. He recounts the story of the Israelites’ journey out of slavery in Egypt and their eventual arrival at the Promised Land. The Israelites multiply in number and prosper in the land of Egypt in this chapter. However, this prosperity soon arouses the fear and suspicion of the new Pharaoh, who decides to oppress the Israelites and keep them in bondage. The stage is set for the dramatic events that will unfold, as God prepares to deliver His people from the grip of their Egyptian masters.
We will witness the Pharaoh’s cruel attempts to control the Israelite population, the heroic actions of the midwives who defy his orders, and the birth of a child who will one day become the instrument of God’s salvation. This chapter lays the foundation for the epic story of the Exodus, which will be further developed in the chapters to come.
Exodus 1:1-7
The passage in Exodus 1:1-7 introduces the Israelites as they settle in Egypt. The first verse states, “These are the names of the sons of Israel who went to Egypt with Jacob, each with his family.” This sets the stage by reminding readers of the ancestral lineage from Jacob (also known as Israel) and his twelve sons who later became the twelve tribes of Israel. The mention of Jacob is significant as it connects back to the covenant God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, promising them land and descendants as numerous as the stars.
The following verses provide a list of Jacob’s sons who migrated to Egypt. It is crucial to understand the historical context here – Joseph, one of Jacob’s sons, had been sold into slavery by his brothers and eventually rose to power in Egypt. Through God’s providence, Joseph was able to save his family during a severe famine, leading them to settle in Egypt. This journey from Canaan to Egypt highlights God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, as He had foretold to Abraham that his descendants would be strangers in a foreign land for 400 years (Genesis 15:13).
The repetition of the phrase “all those descended from Jacob were seventy in number” in verse 5 emphasizes the fulfillment of God’s promise to make Abraham’s descendants multiply greatly. This echoes God’s words to Jacob in Genesis 46:3-4, assuring him that his descendants would become a great nation in Egypt before returning to Canaan. The text underscores the rapid growth of the Israelites in Egypt as the passage continues, stating, “But the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied greatly, increased in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them.”” This rapid multiplication sets the stage for the impending conflict and oppression the Israelites would face under a new Pharaoh who did not remember Joseph’s contributions to Egypt. It foreshadows the theme of God’s deliverance and faithfulness towards His people in times of oppression, a central theme throughout the book of Exodus. Exodus 1:1-7 lays a foundation for the narrative of the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt and sets the stage for the unfolding drama of God’s liberation through Moses in the chapters to come. The passage showcases God’s faithfulness in multiplying His chosen people, even in the midst of adversity, and foreshadows His divine intervention in the face of oppression. This sets the tone for the Exodus story as a testament to God’s sovereignty, provision, and redemption of His people.
Exodus 1:8-14
The Israelites face oppression and slavery in Egypt in a pivotal moment in their history as seen in Exodus 1:8-14. The section starts with a new king who did not know Joseph coming into power in Egypt. This new Pharaoh sees the Israelites as a threat due to their growing population and strength. He enslaved them and mistreated them harshly in an attempt to weaken and control them in response. The cruelty and oppression the Israelites faced at the hands of the Egyptians is a stark reminder of the abuse of power and injustice that can occur when leaders act out of fear and prejudice.
This section of the Exodus narrative sets the stage for the eventual deliverance of the Israelites by God through Moses. It highlights the theme of God’s faithfulness and protection towards His people even in the midst of suffering and oppression. Despite the Israelites’ dire situation, God had not forgotten His covenant with them, and He would soon raise up a deliverer in Moses to lead them out of Egypt.
The reference to the Israelites being forced into hard labor and the building projects for Pharaoh is significant as it foreshadows the eventual miraculous escape from slavery. This setting of oppression and hardship serves to underscore the importance of God’s intervention and the fulfillment of His promises.
The contrast between the fear-driven actions of Pharaoh and the providential plan of God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. It serves as a reminder that human schemes and power are temporary and futile in the face of God’s sovereignty and divine purpose. This dynamic is seen not only in the story of Exodus but also in other narratives in the Bible, where God’s ultimate plan prevails despite the efforts of earthly rulers to thwart it. The events described in Exodus 1:8-14 ultimately provide a foundation for the larger narrative of redemption and deliverance that unfolds in the book of Exodus. It sets the stage for the dramatic liberation of the Israelites from slavery, showcasing God’s power, justice, and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people. The suffering of the Israelites under Pharaoh’s oppressive rule serves as a backdrop against which the glory of God’s salvation and deliverance shines even brighter.
Exodus 1:15-22
The Israelites were living in Egypt when we witnessed a significant and poignant event in their history in Exodus 1:15-22. At this point in the narrative, Pharaoh had become wary of the growing number of Israelites in Egypt and had begun to oppress them in various ways to keep their population in check. The verse specifically focuses on the accounts of two Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, who were ordered by Pharaoh to kill male Hebrew babies at birth.
Shiphrah and Puah demonstrated incredible courage and faithfulness to God by defying Pharaoh’s orders and allowing the male babies to live. This act of civil disobedience was incredibly brave considering the power and authority Pharaoh held. Their willingness to trust in God and protect these innocent lives serves as a powerful example of resisting evil and standing up for what is right, even in the face of great danger.
The story of Shiphrah and Puah is significant not just as an act of resistance but also as a demonstration of God’s sovereignty. Despite the oppressive circumstances, the Lord was working behind the scenes to protect His chosen people and ensure the fulfillment of His promises. Shiphrah and Puah played a crucial role in preserving the Israelite lineage and eventually delivering the Hebrew people from slavery by preserving the male babies.
This account also illuminates the theme of God’s care and protection for His people throughout the Bible. Just as Shiphrah and Puah were instruments of God’s protection, we see divine intervention and providence at play in numerous other narratives, such as the story of Moses being saved as a baby from Pharaoh’s decree of infanticide (Exodus 2:1-10). God’s faithfulness in the face of adversity and His ability to use ordinary individuals to accomplish His purposes are recurring motifs in the biblical narrative, serving as a source of hope and inspiration for believers. Shiphrah and Puah’s bravery serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice and oppression. Their actions highlight the moral imperative to resist evil, even when it seems insurmountable, and to trust in God’s ultimate justice and deliverance. The Bible is replete with exhortations to defend the marginalized and uphold righteousness, with verses such as Proverbs 31:8-9 urging believers to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. The account of Shiphrah and Puah in Exodus 1:15-22 is a powerful testament to the faithfulness of God, the courage of His servants, and the enduring message of justice and compassion found in the Bible. Their story continues to inspire readers to stand firm in their faith, to resist evil, and to trust in the sovereignty of God even in the darkest of times.
After Exodus 1
The Israelites continued to multiply and grow in number, filling the land. This alarmed the new king of Egypt, who did not know Joseph. Fearing the Israelites, the king devised a plan to oppress them and keep them from growing stronger. He forced them into hard labor, but the more he oppressed them, the more they multiplied. God heard the groaning of the Israelites as they cried out to Him and remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The stage was set for God to act and deliver His people from their bondage. Little did the Egyptians know, their oppression would soon give way to the mighty hand of the Lord.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.