Exodus 1
BSB1 These are the names of the sons of Israel who went to Egypt with Jacob, each with his family: 2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah; 3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin; 4 Dan and Naphtali; Gad and Asher. 5 The descendants of Jacob numbered seventy in all, including Joseph, who was already in Egypt. 6 Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died, 7 but the Israelites were fruitful and increased rapidly; they multiplied and became exceedingly numerous, so that the land was filled with them. 8 Then a new king, who did not know Joseph, came to power in Egypt. 9 “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become too numerous and too powerful for us. 10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country. “ 11 So the Egyptians appointed taskmasters over the Israelites to oppress them with forced labor. As a result, they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. 12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and flourished; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. 13 They worked the Israelites ruthlessly 14 and made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar, and with all kinds of work in the fields. Every service they imposed was harsh. 15 Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, 16 “When you help the Hebrew women give birth, observe them on the birthstools. If the child is a son, kill him; but if it is a daughter, let her live." 17 The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live. 18 So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?" 19 The midwives answered Pharaoh, “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before a midwife arrives." 20 So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied and became even more numerous. 21 And because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own. 22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people: “Every son born to the Hebrews you must throw into the Nile, but every daughter you may allow to live."
Study Notes — Exodus 1
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Exodus 1
- Themes from Exodus 1
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Exodus 1
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Exodus chapter 1 begins with a list of the sons of Jacob who went to Egypt with him, as recorded in Genesis 46:8-27. The Israelites multiplied rapidly, filling the land and prompting the Egyptians to fear and oppress them. Pharaoh ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill all newborn male Israelites, but they disobeyed, fearing God. As a result, God blessed the midwives, and the Israelites continued to multiply. Pharaoh then commanded all Egyptians to throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River, setting the stage for the events of Exodus 2. Key verses include Exodus 1:7, which notes the Israelites' rapid growth, and Exodus 1:17, which highlights the midwives' disobedience to Pharaoh's cruel decree.
Context for the Chapter
Exodus chapter 1 serves as a bridge between the patriarchal narratives of Genesis and the redemption story of the Exodus. The chapter's events occur after Joseph's death, as recorded in Genesis 50:26, and before the calling of Moses in Exodus 3. This narrative provides essential background for understanding the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage and the subsequent establishment of the covenant at Sinai.
Heart Application
As believers, we can draw encouragement from the Israelites' story, recognizing that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even those that seem darkest. We are called to trust in His faithfulness, just as the midwives did, and to obey Him, even when it requires courageous disobedience to the world's demands.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Exodus chapter 1 tells the story of the Israelites' growth and oppression in Egypt. Despite their suffering, God was with them, and their story points to the larger narrative of redemption through Jesus Christ. As seen in Exodus 1:7, the Israelites' rapid growth demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises, and their faithfulness, as exemplified by the midwives in Exodus 1:17, serves as an example for believers today.
Voices from the Church
“The history of the Israelites is a type of the experience of the Christian, and we may learn from their example to trust in the Lord and wait patiently for His deliverance.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Egyptians' oppression of the Israelites serves as a reminder that the church will always face persecution in this world, but God will ultimately deliver His people.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 1:1-7) — The chapter begins with a list of Jacob's sons who went to Egypt, followed by a description of the Israelites' rapid growth.
- The Egyptians' Fear and Oppression (Exodus 1:8-14) — The Egyptians, fearing the Israelites' growth, begin to oppress them, forcing them to build storage cities.
- The Midwives' Courageous Disobedience (Exodus 1:15-21) — Pharaoh orders the Hebrew midwives to kill newborn male Israelites, but they disobey, fearing God.
- The Israelites' Continued Multiplication (Exodus 1:20-22) — As a result of the midwives' disobedience, God blesses them, and the Israelites continue to multiply.
- Pharaoh's Increased Oppression (Exodus 1:22) — Pharaoh, enraged by the Israelites' continued growth, commands all Egyptians to throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River.
Core Doctrines
- Providence
- Exodus 1 demonstrates God's providential care for the Israelites, even in the midst of suffering and oppression.
- Faith and Obedience
- The midwives' courageous disobedience to Pharaoh's decree serves as an example of faith and trust in God's sovereignty.
- Redemption
- The Israelites' bondage in Egypt foreshadows humanity's bondage to sin, from which Christ delivers us through His death and resurrection.
- Perseverance
- The Israelites' story encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness and persevere in the face of persecution and hardship.
Lessons from Exodus 1
- God's Sovereignty — Exodus 1 teaches us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even those that seem darkest or most oppressive.
- Faith and Courage — The midwives' courageous disobedience to Pharaoh's decree serves as an example of faith and trust in God's sovereignty, encouraging believers to stand firm in their convictions.
- Redemption and Deliverance — The Israelites' bondage in Egypt foreshadows humanity's bondage to sin, from which Christ delivers us through His death and resurrection.
- Perseverance and Trust — The Israelites' story encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness and persevere in the face of persecution and hardship, knowing that He will ultimately deliver them.
- God's Faithfulness — Exodus 1:7 demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises, encouraging believers to trust in His sovereignty and care for them.
Themes from Exodus 1
- God's Providence — Exodus 1 demonstrates God's providential care for the Israelites, even in the midst of suffering and oppression.
- Faith and Obedience — The midwives' courageous disobedience to Pharaoh's decree serves as an example of faith and trust in God's sovereignty.
- Redemption and Deliverance — The Israelites' bondage in Egypt foreshadows humanity's bondage to sin, from which Christ delivers us through His death and resurrection.
- Perseverance and Trust — The Israelites' story encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness and persevere in the face of persecution and hardship, knowing that He will ultimately deliver them.
- God's Faithfulness — Exodus 1:7 demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises, encouraging believers to trust in His sovereignty and care for them.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from the Israelites' experience in Egypt about God's sovereignty and care for His people?
- How does the midwives' disobedience to Pharaoh's decree serve as an example for believers today?
- In what ways does the narrative of Exodus 1 point to the larger story of redemption through Jesus Christ?
- What encouragement can we draw from the Israelites' story for facing persecution and hardship in our own lives?
- How does Exodus 1:7 demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises, and what implications does this have for our trust in Him?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 1:1-7)
| 1:1 | The chapter begins with a list of Jacob's sons who went to Egypt, setting the stage for the narrative. |
| 1:2 | The list of Jacob's sons continues, highlighting the Israelites' ancestral roots. |
| 1:3 | The list concludes with the sons of Joseph, emphasizing the Israelites' connection to the patriarchs. |
| 1:4 | The total number of Jacob's descendants who went to Egypt is given, demonstrating the Israelites' growth. |
| 1:5 | The total number of Jacob's descendants is repeated, emphasizing the Israelites' multiplication. |
| 1:6 | Joseph and his brothers die, marking the end of the patriarchal era. |
| 1:7 | The Israelites multiply rapidly, filling the land and prompting the Egyptians' fear. |
2. The Egyptians' Fear and Oppression (Exodus 1:8-14)
| 1:8 | A new king arises in Egypt, who does not know Joseph and fears the Israelites' growth. |
| 1:9 | The Egyptians fear the Israelites, perceiving them as a threat to their national security. |
| 1:10 | The Egyptians decide to oppress the Israelites, forcing them to build storage cities. |
| 1:11 | The Israelites are forced to build the cities of Pithom and Rameses, demonstrating the Egyptians' harsh treatment. |
| 1:12 | The more the Egyptians oppress the Israelites, the more they multiply, highlighting God's sovereignty. |
| 1:13 | The Egyptians ruthlessly impose their labor on the Israelites, treating them harshly. |
| 1:14 | The Israelites are forced to work in the fields and build cities, suffering under the Egyptians' oppression. |
3. The Midwives' Courageous Disobedience (Exodus 1:15-21)
| 1:15 | Pharaoh orders the Hebrew midwives to kill newborn male Israelites, demonstrating the Egyptians' cruelty. |
| 1:16 | The midwives are instructed to kill the male infants, but they disobey, fearing God. |
| 1:17 | The midwives disobey Pharaoh's decree, allowing the male infants to live, and God blesses them. |
| 1:18 | Pharaoh confronts the midwives about their disobedience, demanding an explanation. |
| 1:19 | The midwives deceive Pharaoh, telling him that the Hebrew women give birth before they can arrive to kill the infants. |
| 1:20 | God blesses the midwives for their obedience, and they are rewarded with families of their own. |
| 1:21 | The Israelites continue to multiply, and God establishes households for the midwives, demonstrating His faithfulness. |
4. Pharaoh's Increased Oppression (Exodus 1:22)
| 1:22 | Pharaoh, enraged by the Israelites' continued growth, commands all Egyptians to throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River, increasing the oppression. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical context of Exodus 1?
Exodus 1 occurs after Joseph's death, as recorded in Genesis 50:26, and before the calling of Moses in Exodus 3. The chapter provides essential background for understanding the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage and the subsequent establishment of the covenant at Sinai.
Why did the Egyptians fear the Israelites?
The Egyptians feared the Israelites because of their rapid growth, which they perceived as a threat to their national security, as seen in Exodus 1:9-10.
What can we learn from the midwives' disobedience to Pharaoh's decree?
The midwives' courageous disobedience to Pharaoh's decree serves as an example of faith and trust in God's sovereignty, encouraging believers to stand firm in their convictions, as seen in Exodus 1:17.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 1:1 → Genesis 46:8-27 | The list of Jacob's sons who went to Egypt in Exodus 1:1-5 is also found in Genesis 46:8-27, demonstrating the connection between the patriarchal narratives and the Exodus story. |
| 2 | Exodus 1:7 → Genesis 12:2 | The Israelites' rapid growth, as seen in Exodus 1:7, fulfills God's promise to Abraham, as recorded in Genesis 12:2, that his descendants would become a great nation. |
| 3 | Exodus 1:15 → Proverbs 24:23-25 | The midwives' disobedience to Pharaoh's decree, as seen in Exodus 1:15-21, is an example of the principle found in Proverbs 24:23-25, which teaches that it is sometimes necessary to disobey human authority in order to obey God. |
| 4 | Exodus 1:17 → Acts 5:29 | The midwives' courageous disobedience to Pharaoh's decree, as seen in Exodus 1:17, foreshadows the apostles' refusal to stop preaching about Jesus, as recorded in Acts 5:29. |
| 5 | Exodus 1:20 → Psalm 127:3-5 | The blessing of the midwives, as seen in Exodus 1:20, is an example of the principle found in Psalm 127:3-5, which teaches that children are a blessing from God. |
| 6 | Exodus 1:22 → Matthew 2:16-18 | Pharaoh's command to throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River, as seen in Exodus 1:22, foreshadows Herod's attempt to kill Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 2:16-18. |
| 7 | Exodus 1:1 → John 1:1 | The narrative of Exodus 1, which describes the Israelites' growth and oppression, serves as a backdrop for the larger story of redemption, which ultimately points to Jesus Christ, as seen in John 1:1. |
| 8 | Exodus 1:7 → Romans 6:17-18 | The Israelites' bondage in Egypt, as seen in Exodus 1:7, serves as a type of humanity's bondage to sin, from which Christ delivers us through His death and resurrection, as seen in Romans 6:17-18. |
| 9 | Exodus 1:15 → Hebrews 11:23 | The midwives' courageous disobedience to Pharaoh's decree, as seen in Exodus 1:15-21, is an example of the faith and trust in God's sovereignty that is commended in Hebrews 11:23. |
| 10 | Exodus 1:22 → Revelation 12:1-6 | Pharaoh's command to throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River, as seen in Exodus 1:22, foreshadows the dragon's attempt to destroy the male child in Revelation 12:1-6. |
Sermons on Exodus 1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Exodus) Exodus 1 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Exodus and its connection to the previous events in the book of Genesis. The sermon begins by referencing a passage from Genesis |
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(Exodus) Exodus 1:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of advertising and how it can help people remember a brand. He then transitions to the book of Exodus in the Bible, |
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(Exodus) Exodus 1:17-22 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the birth of Moses and how God raised him up to deliver the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage. The preacher emphasizes that the book o |
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(Exodus) Exodus 1:9-16 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt as described in the book of Exodus. The speaker highlights the accuracy of the biblical acco |
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(Genesis) Genesis 46:1-3 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and how he initially did not seek God's guidance in his life. Jacob made his own decisions and only turned to God on Sunda |
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The Serpent on a Pole by Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of teaching children about the word of God. He starts by explaining the story of the Israelites, who were slaves in Egypt for 4 |
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Abortion, Race, Gender, and Christ by John Piper | In this sermon, John Piper discusses the historical events of the enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt as described in the Bible. He highlights the measures taken by Pharaoh to o |
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(Covenant Series) 3. Christ Our Passover by Al Whittinghill | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt as described in the book of Exodus. He emphasizes that God heard the groanings of the Is |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 3 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a personal story about facing problems and how God intervened in his life. He then transitions to discussing the story of Moses and hi |
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Desert Survival Series Pt 2- Moses the Man of Go by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker lays the foundation for a series on the birth and training of Moses. The birth of Moses reveals key principles that can be applied to different situatio |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 1
In Exodus 1, we see the Israelites' remarkable growth and the Egyptians' subsequent fear and oppression. The midwives' courageous disobedience to Pharaoh's decree serves as an example of faith and trust in God's sovereignty. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied' (Exodus 1:12), demonstrating God's providential care for His people. The chapter highlights the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness, even in the midst of suffering and persecution, and points to the larger story of redemption through Jesus Christ. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Rapid Growth
The Israelites' rapid multiplication, as seen in Exodus 1:7, demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises and sets the stage for the events of the Exodus.
Fear and Oppression
The Egyptians' fear of the Israelites, as recorded in Exodus 1:9-10, leads to their oppression, highlighting the world's natural hostility towards God's people.
Faithful Disobedience
The midwives' courageous disobedience to Pharaoh's decree, as seen in Exodus 1:17, serves as an example of faith and trust in God's sovereignty.