Exodus 1 Commentary: From Blessing to Bondage, Preparing the Way for Deliverance
Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob.
Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah,
Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin,
Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.
And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already.
And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation.
And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.
Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.
And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:
Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.
Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.
But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.
And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour:
And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.
And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah:
And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.
But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.
And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive?
And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.
Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.
And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.
And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.
Exodus 1 marks a pivotal transition in the biblical narrative, shifting from the promise of blessing and multiplication in Genesis to the harsh reality of oppression and slavery in Egypt. This chapter sets the stage for the dramatic story of Israel's deliverance, highlighting both the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises and the desperate circumstances that necessitate His intervention. It's a chapter filled with tension, fear, and ultimately, hope, as God prepares to raise up a deliverer. Optimizing for the search term "Exodus 1," this commentary aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the chapter's historical context, theological significance, and practical application.
The Proliferation of Israel (Exodus 1:1-7)
The chapter opens by reminding us of the context from Genesis. Jacob, also known as Israel, his sons, and their families, had settled in Egypt to escape the devastating famine in Canaan. Genesis closes with the family of Jacob safely in Egypt. Exodus 1:1-5 serves as a bridge, linking the end of Genesis to the beginning of Exodus. These verses emphasize the continuity of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The initial group of seventy Israelites (Exodus 1:5) quickly multiplied, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 13:16). By the time of the Exodus, they numbered over six hundred thousand men, not counting women and children (Exodus 12:37). The land was "filled" with them (Exodus 1:7), demonstrating God's faithfulness in keeping His word. This rapid population growth, however, becomes the catalyst for the troubles that follow. This book begins approximately four hundred years after the events at the end of Genesis. During this time, Egypt would have been perhaps the most powerful world kingdom, especially in the Middle East and North Africa. Pharaoh and his people lived with great wealth, power, and military strength compared to the surrounding nations.
The Rise of Oppression (Exodus 1:8-14)
A "new king" arose in Egypt "who did not know Joseph" (Exodus 1:8). This likely signifies a change in dynasty or a shift in political climate, where the contributions of Joseph and the past goodwill towards the Israelites were forgotten or disregarded. This new Pharaoh viewed the burgeoning Israelite population with suspicion and fear. He perceived them as a potential threat, worrying that they might ally with Egypt's enemies in times of war (Exodus 1:9-10).
Driven by fear, Pharaoh implemented a policy of oppression, enslaving the Israelites and subjecting them to forced labor. They were put under taskmasters and forced to build the cities of Pithom and Raamses (Exodus 1:11). This marked the beginning of a dark period in Israel's history, fulfilling God's prophecy to Abraham that his descendants would be enslaved for four hundred years (Genesis 15:13-14). The Egyptians deliberately overworked the Israelites, forcing them to make bricks and perform all kinds of fieldwork (Exodus 1:11).
Paradoxically, the more the Egyptians oppressed the Israelites, the more they multiplied and spread (Exodus 1:12). This demonstrates God's continued blessing on His people, even in the midst of suffering. However, the Israelites' growth only intensified the Egyptians' fear and hatred, leading to even more ruthless treatment (Exodus 1:13-14).
Infanticide and the Midwives' Faith (Exodus 1:15-22)
Frustrated by the failure of forced labor to curb the Israelite population, Pharaoh resorted to a more drastic and heinous measure: infanticide. He commanded the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill all newborn Hebrew boys (Exodus 1:15-16). This was a direct attack on God's promise of multiplication and a blatant disregard for the sanctity of human life.
However, the midwives "feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live" (Exodus 1:17). Their courageous act of defiance, rooted in their fear of God, is a powerful example of moral courage and resistance against evil. They chose to obey God rather than man, even at the risk of their own lives.
When questioned by Pharaoh, the midwives lied, claiming that the Hebrew women gave birth too quickly for them to intervene (Exodus 1:18-19). While lying is generally wrong, some theologians argue that in this extreme situation, the midwives chose the lesser of two evils, prioritizing the preservation of innocent life over strict adherence to truth-telling. God rewarded their faithfulness, giving them families of their own (Exodus 1:20-21). And the Israelites multiplied even more (Exodus 1:20). The principle here is that when God’s people are faced with only two sinful options (in this case, lying and murder), we are to choose that which brings God the greater glory.
In a final act of desperation, Pharaoh commanded all his people to throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River (Exodus 1:22). This decree extended the evil plan to the entire kingdom, making everyone complicit in the attempted genocide. The entire Jewish nation was in turmoil. How would they survive this wicked ruler? This fearsome context prepares the reader for the next chapter, in which Moses will be born, facing death from the start of his life.
Theological Implications and Practical Applications
Exodus 1 reveals several key theological truths:
- God's faithfulness: Despite the oppression and hardship, God remained faithful to His promise to multiply Abraham's descendants.
- The sovereignty of God: Even in the face of Pharaoh's evil plans, God was in control, working behind the scenes to prepare for Israel's deliverance.
- The importance of moral courage: The midwives' defiance demonstrates the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult or dangerous.
This chapter also offers several practical applications for our lives:
- Trust in God's promises: Even when circumstances seem bleak, we can trust that God will fulfill His promises.
- Stand against injustice: We are called to stand up for the oppressed and speak out against injustice, even when it is unpopular or risky.
- Fear God above all else: Our ultimate allegiance should be to God, not to earthly authorities.
Exodus 1 ends on a note of tension and uncertainty, but it also holds the promise of hope. The stage is set for the arrival of Moses, the deliverer who will lead Israel out of slavery and into freedom. The chapter reminds us that God often allows blessings in our lives that will actually lead to some suffering, which will in turn lead to even greater blessings for his kingdom purposes. We, however, must patiently wait for him to work things out. The story of Exodus is a testament to God's power, faithfulness, and unwavering love for His people.
Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob.
Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah,
Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin,
Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.
And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already.
And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation.
And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.
Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.
And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:
Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.
Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.
But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.
And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour:
And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.
And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah:
And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.
But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.
And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive?
And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.
Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.
And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.
And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.
Exodus 1 marks a pivotal transition in the biblical narrative, shifting from the promise of blessing and multiplication in Genesis to the harsh reality of oppression and slavery in Egypt. This chapter sets the stage for the dramatic story of Israel's deliverance, highlighting both the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises and the desperate circumstances that necessitate His intervention. It's a chapter filled with tension, fear, and ultimately, hope, as God prepares to raise up a deliverer. Optimizing for the search term "Exodus 1," this commentary aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the chapter's historical context, theological significance, and practical application.
The Proliferation of Israel (Exodus 1:1-7)
The chapter opens by reminding us of the context from Genesis. Jacob, also known as Israel, his sons, and their families, had settled in Egypt to escape the devastating famine in Canaan. Genesis closes with the family of Jacob safely in Egypt. Exodus 1:1-5 serves as a bridge, linking the end of Genesis to the beginning of Exodus. These verses emphasize the continuity of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The initial group of seventy Israelites (Exodus 1:5) quickly multiplied, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 13:16). By the time of the Exodus, they numbered over six hundred thousand men, not counting women and children (Exodus 12:37). The land was "filled" with them (Exodus 1:7), demonstrating God's faithfulness in keeping His word. This rapid population growth, however, becomes the catalyst for the troubles that follow. This book begins approximately four hundred years after the events at the end of Genesis. During this time, Egypt would have been perhaps the most powerful world kingdom, especially in the Middle East and North Africa. Pharaoh and his people lived with great wealth, power, and military strength compared to the surrounding nations.
The Rise of Oppression (Exodus 1:8-14)
A "new king" arose in Egypt "who did not know Joseph" (Exodus 1:8). This likely signifies a change in dynasty or a shift in political climate, where the contributions of Joseph and the past goodwill towards the Israelites were forgotten or disregarded. This new Pharaoh viewed the burgeoning Israelite population with suspicion and fear. He perceived them as a potential threat, worrying that they might ally with Egypt's enemies in times of war (Exodus 1:9-10).
Driven by fear, Pharaoh implemented a policy of oppression, enslaving the Israelites and subjecting them to forced labor. They were put under taskmasters and forced to build the cities of Pithom and Raamses (Exodus 1:11). This marked the beginning of a dark period in Israel's history, fulfilling God's prophecy to Abraham that his descendants would be enslaved for four hundred years (Genesis 15:13-14). The Egyptians deliberately overworked the Israelites, forcing them to make bricks and perform all kinds of fieldwork (Exodus 1:11).
Paradoxically, the more the Egyptians oppressed the Israelites, the more they multiplied and spread (Exodus 1:12). This demonstrates God's continued blessing on His people, even in the midst of suffering. However, the Israelites' growth only intensified the Egyptians' fear and hatred, leading to even more ruthless treatment (Exodus 1:13-14).
Infanticide and the Midwives' Faith (Exodus 1:15-22)
Frustrated by the failure of forced labor to curb the Israelite population, Pharaoh resorted to a more drastic and heinous measure: infanticide. He commanded the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill all newborn Hebrew boys (Exodus 1:15-16). This was a direct attack on God's promise of multiplication and a blatant disregard for the sanctity of human life.
However, the midwives "feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live" (Exodus 1:17). Their courageous act of defiance, rooted in their fear of God, is a powerful example of moral courage and resistance against evil. They chose to obey God rather than man, even at the risk of their own lives.
When questioned by Pharaoh, the midwives lied, claiming that the Hebrew women gave birth too quickly for them to intervene (Exodus 1:18-19). While lying is generally wrong, some theologians argue that in this extreme situation, the midwives chose the lesser of two evils, prioritizing the preservation of innocent life over strict adherence to truth-telling. God rewarded their faithfulness, giving them families of their own (Exodus 1:20-21). And the Israelites multiplied even more (Exodus 1:20). The principle here is that when God’s people are faced with only two sinful options (in this case, lying and murder), we are to choose that which brings God the greater glory.
In a final act of desperation, Pharaoh commanded all his people to throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River (Exodus 1:22). This decree extended the evil plan to the entire kingdom, making everyone complicit in the attempted genocide. The entire Jewish nation was in turmoil. How would they survive this wicked ruler? This fearsome context prepares the reader for the next chapter, in which Moses will be born, facing death from the start of his life.
Theological Implications and Practical Applications
Exodus 1 reveals several key theological truths:
- God's faithfulness: Despite the oppression and hardship, God remained faithful to His promise to multiply Abraham's descendants.
- The sovereignty of God: Even in the face of Pharaoh's evil plans, God was in control, working behind the scenes to prepare for Israel's deliverance.
- The importance of moral courage: The midwives' defiance demonstrates the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult or dangerous.
This chapter also offers several practical applications for our lives:
- Trust in God's promises: Even when circumstances seem bleak, we can trust that God will fulfill His promises.
- Stand against injustice: We are called to stand up for the oppressed and speak out against injustice, even when it is unpopular or risky.
- Fear God above all else: Our ultimate allegiance should be to God, not to earthly authorities.
Exodus 1 ends on a note of tension and uncertainty, but it also holds the promise of hope. The stage is set for the arrival of Moses, the deliverer who will lead Israel out of slavery and into freedom. The chapter reminds us that God often allows blessings in our lives that will actually lead to some suffering, which will in turn lead to even greater blessings for his kingdom purposes. We, however, must patiently wait for him to work things out. The story of Exodus is a testament to God's power, faithfulness, and unwavering love for His people.