Exodus 1:1-22
Q.1. What was recorded about the sons of Jacob in Egypt? How did Israel’s circumstances change? Why did the Egyptians oppress the sons of Israel? How were the Hebrews treated by the Egyptians? – (Ex.1:1-14)
Exodus begins by reminding the readers that seventy direct descendants settled with Jacob in Egypt. This included Joseph’s family who were already there (Exo.1:1-5 c.f. Gen.46:26-27). God had promised to make them a great nation, and to increase them beyond counting, and He did. Our fruitfulness, however, does not depend upon ideal conditions. God prevailed regardless of the outer circumstances (Exo.1:7, 12 20 c.f. Gen.15:4-6). There is a danger that each new generation wants to glory in its own achievements, so ignores the past. This Pharaoh was unaware of what he owed Joseph. The growing significance of the Israelites posed a threat in his mind. Instead of treating them with honour, he instead oppressed them and sought to control them. He feared that they might turn against the Egyptians and support their enemies (Exo.1:8-10). Pharaoh subjected them to slavery and forced them to build massive storage cities – and they made their lives bitter with hard labour (Exo.1:14 c.f. Exo.1:11-14).
Q.2. How did the Hebrew’s misery intensify? Why did the Egyptian midwives disobey their king? How did God reward their actions? What ruthless plan did Pharaoh devise to curb Israel’s growth? – (Ex.1:15-22)
Hard labour and oppression did not reduce the strength of the Hebrews, so Pharaoh instituted a new policy of genocide – … When you are helping the Hebrew women to give birth and see them upon the birth-stool, if it is a son, then you shall put him to death; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live (Exo.1:16). The midwives disobeyed the edict of Pharaoh because they feared God (Exo.1:17). They told Pharaoh that the Hebrew women were giving birth without midwives. The Lord also stepped in – 20 so God was good to the midwives … 21 Because the midwives feared God, He established households for them (Exo.1:20-21). The Hebrews continued to multiply – and the people multiplied and became very mighty (Exo.1:20). Pharaoh then further persecuted the Hebrews. He commanded that – …every son who is born you are to cast into the Nile, and every daughter you are to keep alive (Exo.1:22).