Exodus 1 marks the beginning of a new reality for the people of Israel in Egypt, where growth and oppression walk side by side. Read the full text here.
Text Structure
Ex 1:1-7
The growth of Israel. Jacob’s family multiplies in Egypt, becoming numerous and strong, fulfilling God’s promise even far from the promised land.
Ex 1:8-10
A new Pharaoh. A king arises who did not know Joseph and begins to see the people of Israel as a threat, fearing their growth and a possible alliance with enemies.
Ex 1:11-14
Oppression. The Egyptians impose forced labor, trying to weaken Israel, but the more the people are oppressed, the more they grow and become stronger.
Ex 1:15-17
The order to the midwives. Pharaoh commands that Hebrew boys be killed, but the midwives fear God and disobey the king.
Ex 1:18-21
Faithfulness rewarded. God blesses the midwives for their actions, and the people continue to grow despite the attempt at control.
Ex 1:22
The final decree. Pharaoh orders that every Hebrew boy be thrown into the Nile, further intensifying the oppression over Israel.
Additional Literature
As a complement to the theme presented in Exodus 1, the following reading is recommended:
Patriarchs and Prophets, chapter 22 - “Moses”
Reflection
Exodus 1 shows that growth does not prevent opposition. Even while fulfilling God’s promise, the people face pressure and suffering.
The faithfulness of the midwives reveals that obeying God is more important than giving in to fear. In the midst of oppression, individual choices still make a difference.
As presented in Patriarchs and Prophets, chapter 22, God remains in control even in difficult times. What seems like a threat may actually be the setting for the beginning of a great deliverance.