Exodus 1

The Israelites Multiply in Egypt (v.1–7):

The chapter begins with a brief reminder of the sons of Israel (Jacob) who came to Egypt with him.

Seventy descendants of Jacob came to Egypt, and they prosper and multiply exceedingly, becoming a great nation.

"The land was filled with them"—a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would become numerous (Genesis 12:2-3).

A New Pharaoh Arises (v.8):

After Joseph’s death, a new Pharaoh who did not know Joseph comes to power in Egypt.

This Pharaoh is threatened by the growing number of Israelites and feels their presence could become a political and military threat.

Pharaoh’s Oppression (v.9–14):

The new Pharaoh begins to oppress the Israelites, forcing them into slavery.

He orders their labor to build store cities, including Pithom and Raamses.

The Egyptians make the Israelites work with harshness, using them for brutal, backbreaking labor, especially in construction and agriculture.

Pharaoh’s Scheme to Reduce the Population (v.15–22):

Pharaoh commands the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill all newborn Hebrew boys but allow the girls to live.

However, the midwives fear God and disobey Pharaoh, letting the boys live.

When Pharaoh confronts them, they explain that Hebrew women give birth too quickly for them to intervene.

Because of their actions, God blesses the midwives, and the Israelites continue to multiply.

Pharaoh then orders that all newborn Hebrew boys be thrown into the Nile River, marking the beginning of a violent and cruel policy to reduce Israel’s population.

Key Themes:
God’s Blessing and Growth of Israel:

Despite Pharaoh’s efforts, the Israelites continue to grow in number and strength, reflecting God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Oppression and Injustice:

The Israelites face brutal oppression under Pharaoh, a stark reminder of the evil of slavery and the suffering of God’s people.

Fear of God and Civil Disobedience:

The Hebrew midwives exemplify faithfulness to God over obedience to unjust authorities. Their fear of God leads them to disobey Pharaoh’s evil command.

God’s Sovereignty:

While Pharaoh thinks he is in control, God is working behind the scenes to ensure His plan will unfold, even in the face of extreme opposition.

Human Suffering and God’s Plan:

Israel’s oppression sets the stage for God’s deliverance. It foreshadows the coming Exodus, where God will act powerfully on behalf of His people.

Application Points:
Even in times of oppression and hardship, God is at work in ways we may not immediately see.

Faithfulness to God is more important than blind obedience to authority, especially when the authority is unjust.

God can use even the worst circumstances (like slavery) to fulfill His promises and purposes.

Trust in God’s sovereignty, knowing that no matter how dark the situation may seem, He is still in control and has a plan for His people.