In this in-depth biblical study, we will delve into the pages of the book of Exodus, specifically verses 1 to 22 of the first chapter, and explore the narrative that portrays the beginning of the oppression of the people of Israel in Egypt. This opening section of Exodus not only describes a pivotal moment in Israel’s history, but also reveals God’s sovereignty over human events. Although the scenario is one of slavery and suffering, God’s presence is evident, and His promise of redemption begins to take shape.
The Historical and Geographical Context of Exodus 1:1-22
Before delving deeper into the study of the text, it is essential to understand the historical and geographical context of the book of Exodus. The events described here take place in Egypt, a powerful ancient nation that played a significant role in biblical history. Through Joseph, one of Jacob’s sons, the Israelites found refuge in Egypt during a great famine. Initially, they were welcomed, but as time passed, a new dynasty of pharaohs emerged who had neither knowledge nor respect for the deeds of Joseph and his people. And it is in this context that Exodus 1:1-22 takes us.
However, before we delve into the details of this excerpt, it is worth highlighting that the Bible is a collection of texts written in different literary styles and for different purposes. Exodus, part of the Pentateuch, is a work that combines history, law and narrative, with the purpose of reporting the formation of the people of Israel and the promise of divine redemption.
The Multiplication of the People of Israel (Exodus 1:1-7)
The first excerpt of Exodus 1 tells us about the prosperity of the children of Israel in Egypt, after the arrival of Jacob and his descendants. Verses 1 to 7 report the population growth of the Israelites, even in the face of adversity and slavery. It is important to note that God was fulfilling His promise to Abraham to multiply his descendants, making them as numerous as the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:5).
“Now these are the names of the children of Israel, who entered Egypt with Jacob; They entered, each with his family: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun and Benjamin; Dan, Naphtali, Gad and Asher. All the souls, therefore, that proceeded from the loins of Jacob were seventy souls; and Joseph was in Egypt.” (Exodus 1:1-5)
At this point, God was already fulfilling the promise made to Abraham, making Jacob’s descendants numerous, exactly as he had promised. However, as we will see later, the prosperity of the Israelites began to generate concerns in Egypt.
The Rise of Pharaoh and Egyptian Insecurity (Exodus 1:8-14)
The biblical text presents us with a drastic change in the attitude of the Egyptians towards the Israelites. The new pharaoh, who had no knowledge of Joseph and his deeds, saw the growth of the Israelite population as a threat to national security. This led to the slavery and oppression of the people of Israel.
“Nevertheless, the children of Israel were fertile, increased greatly, multiplied, and became exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.” (Exodus 1:7)
It is important to note in this verse that even in the face of oppression, the children of Israel continued to prosper. This illustrates God’s faithfulness in fulfilling his promises, regardless of adverse circumstances.
The pharaoh’s rise to power brought with it increasing insecurity. Pharaoh, fearing that the Israelites would become a military threat, imposed harsh slavery on them. The Israelites were subjected to forced labor, building cities such as Pithom and Ramesses. This is an example of how human leaders often act out of fear, selfishness, and a lack of knowledge of history and divine promises.
Although the oppression was severe, God was in control, and His plan to redeem His people was underway. The story of Exodus teaches us that God is sovereign, even when we face difficult situations in our lives. He continues to work in the background, fulfilling his promises.
Pharaoh’s Failed Plan (Exodus 1:15-22)
Pharaoh not only imposed hard labor on the Israelites, but also launched a desperate plan to curb their growth. He ordered Hebrew midwives to kill all male babies at birth. However, the midwives feared God and did not comply with Pharaoh’s order, justifying their disobedience with the importance of life and the fear of God.
“Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah, and the other Puah; and he said unto them, When ye help the Hebrew women to give birth, and see them in the seat, if it be a son, kill him, if it be a daughter, let her live.” (Exodus 1:15-16)
However, the midwives Shifra and Puah, guided by moral principles and the fear of God, chose to disobey Pharaoh’s decree.
Verse 17 highlights that “they feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had told them, but rather kept the boys alive.” Here we see clearly how obedience to God often conflicts with earthly authorities.
The midwives’ disobedience did not go unnoticed. The pharaoh summoned them and questioned why they had not carried out his orders. Their response reflects a deep moral conviction and faith in God.
The midwives’ story highlights the importance of following moral principles and the fear of God, even in the face of opposition and threats to one’s life. Their courageous actions illustrate how God’s sovereignty can prevail over human plans, even when those plans are evil.
God’s Sovereignty and the Promise of Redemption
Although the oppression of the Israelites in Egypt is a recurring theme in the early chapters of Exodus, God’s sovereignty is equally evident. God fulfilled His promise to multiply Abraham’s descendants, even in the midst of slavery. Furthermore, the courage of the Hebrew midwives in protecting the lives of male babies demonstrates how faith and the fear of God can overcome the evil plans of the powerful.
It is important to remember that the story of Exodus is part of a larger narrative that culminates in the liberation of the people of Israel from slavery and the revelation of the law on Mount Sinai. God was preparing the way for the redemption of his people, even when circumstances seemed bleak.
As we continue to explore Exodus and the subsequent events, we will see how God uses Moses as an instrument for Israel’s liberation, revealing His sovereign plan and His unwavering love for His people. This biblical study invites us to reflect on how God works in our own lives, even in the midst of adversity, and how we can trust in his sovereignty and faithfulness.
