Overview:

Exodus 1 is the foundational chapter that sets the stage for Israel’s transition from being a blessed people in Egypt to becoming a nation under oppressive bondage. This chapter not only describes the political and social changes that brought Israel into slavery but also highlights key themes that will resonate throughout the book: God’s sovereignty, His covenant faithfulness, the power of human defiance against divine authority, and the providential care of God in even the darkest moments.

The Israelites’ remarkable growth, as mentioned in the opening verses, is a direct fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God’s covenantal promise to multiply Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 12:2-3, Genesis 15:5) is coming to fruition even though the circumstances in Egypt have changed dramatically. The narrative shifts from the peaceful coexistence Israel enjoyed under Joseph to the fear and insecurity that the new Pharaoh experiences as he witnesses their population explosion. Pharaoh’s fear of losing control leads to his enactment of brutal measures designed to subjugate the Israelites.

As Pharaoh’s fear intensifies, he first subjects the Israelites to harsh labor, forcing them to build the store cities of Pithom and Rameses. However, this plan backfires, and the Israelites multiply even more. Frustrated, Pharaoh then attempts to eradicate Israel’s future by instructing the Hebrew midwives to kill all male infants at birth. But in one of the most poignant acts of courage and faithfulness in the Bible, the midwives fear God and refuse to obey Pharaoh’s decree.

God’s sovereignty shines through the unfolding events. Despite human wickedness, oppression, and injustice, His plan for Israel continues. The very suffering of the Israelites, paradoxically, sets the stage for their deliverance. This deliverance, which begins with the faithful actions of the midwives, will eventually culminate in the birth of Moses, who will lead God’s people out of bondage. The chapter ends with Pharaoh’s desperate order to cast all newborn Hebrew boys into the Nile, setting the stage for the miraculous survival of Moses, which further highlights God’s protective hand over His people.

This chapter underscores how human rulers, no matter how powerful or oppressive, cannot stand in the way of God’s plan. The persecution and trials of Israel foreshadow the sufferings of God’s people throughout history, and the deliverance that is about to come points forward to the ultimate deliverance in Christ. The faithfulness of the midwives is a powerful example of godly fear and obedience, providing Christians today with a model of courage in the face of opposition. The chapter also emphasizes the paradoxical nature of suffering in God’s economy: what seems like the worst of times becomes the soil in which God’s redemptive plan is planted.

Through all of this, we see a loving God who is not distant from His people’s pain. His care, even in their slavery, demonstrates that He is working out His plan, and His love will be displayed in the mighty acts of salvation that will follow.

Historical and Literary Context:

Exodus is part of the Pentateuch, traditionally attributed to Moses. The book is a continuation of the story begun in Genesis, chronicling the growth of Israel as a nation and God’s deliverance of His people from bondage in Egypt. Historically, Egypt was a superpower during this time, and the transition from the peaceful coexistence under Joseph’s leadership to harsh oppression under a new Pharaoh signifies a shift in Egypt’s political landscape. Pharaoh’s fear of the Israelites’ increasing numbers leads to severe measures, a common political tactic in ancient times to suppress minority populations perceived as threats.

The text of Exodus reflects a careful structure designed to emphasize God’s involvement in every aspect of His people’s journey. Exodus 1 establishes the context for their suffering and prepares the reader for the introduction of Moses, the great deliverer. The repetition of Israel’s multiplication despite oppression is a literary device that emphasizes God’s faithfulness and the futility of Pharaoh’s attempts to stop His plan. The chapter can be seen as the prelude to the larger narrative of redemption, drawing parallels with future deliverance themes in Scripture, especially the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ.

Literarily, Exodus 1 is structured to highlight the contrast between Pharaoh’s oppressive decrees and God’s unstoppable plan. The repeated emphasis on Israel’s multiplication serves as a counterpoint to Pharaoh’s fear and his increasingly desperate attempts to control their growth. The chapter also sets the theological foundation for the theme of deliverance, which culminates in the exodus from Egypt.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:

The Sovereignty of God:

Throughout the chapter, we see that God is sovereign over all rulers and nations. Despite Pharaoh’s efforts to suppress the Israelites through slavery and infanticide, God’s promise to Abraham—to make his descendants a great nation—continues to unfold. The sovereignty of God is seen in His control over human history, as He protects and multiplies His people even under extreme oppression.

“The more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites” (Exodus 1:12).

This reflects God’s sovereign control over human history. His promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:2-3, Genesis 15:5) about making his descendants a great nation are being fulfilled, even under persecution. God’s sovereignty extends even over the plans of wicked rulers, showing that no earthly power can thwart His divine will.

The Fear of God vs. the Fear of Man:

The Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, demonstrate what it means to fear God rather than man. Even under the threat of death, they choose to disobey Pharaoh’s command to kill male infants, showing that true obedience is to God alone. Their faithfulness results in blessings from God and serves as an example of courage in the face of evil.

“The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live” (Exodus 1:17).

Their defiance shows that godly fear produces righteousness and courage, a lesson for Christians today who may face opposition for standing up for truth and life.

God’s Faithfulness to His Covenant:

The multiplication of the Israelites in the face of oppression is a testament to God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham. He promised to make Abraham’s descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5), and this promise continues to be fulfilled despite the Pharaoh’s attempts to stop it. God’s covenant loyalty is unwavering, even when His people face suffering.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis:

Exodus 1:1-7:

These are the names of the sons of Israel who went to Egypt with Jacob, each with his family: Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah; Issachar, Zebulun and Benjamin; Dan and Naphtali; Gad and Asher. The descendants of Jacob numbered seventy in all; Joseph was already in Egypt. Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died, but the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied greatly, increased in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them.

This opening section ties back to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the growth of their descendants. The specific listing of names connects Exodus to Genesis, emphasizing the continuity of God’s covenant. The reference to the Israelites being “exceedingly fruitful” points to God’s ongoing blessing and fulfillment of His promises, despite the passing of Joseph’s generation.

Exodus 1:8-10:

Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become far too numerous for us. Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.”

The mention of a new king who did not know Joseph marks the beginning of Israel’s suffering. Pharaoh’s fear reflects the political tensions of the time, as he viewed the growing Israelite population as a threat to Egypt’s national security. His decision to “deal shrewdly” with them reveals his desire to suppress their influence and power through oppression.

Exodus 1:11-14:

So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor, and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites and worked them ruthlessly. They made their lives bitter with harsh labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their harsh labor the Egyptians worked them ruthlessly.

Pharaoh’s initial strategy was to oppress the Israelites through forced labor, making them build cities like Pithom and Rameses. However, God’s hand is evident in that “the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied.” This divine irony highlights God’s sovereignty and His ability to bless His people even under harsh circumstances. Pharaoh’s fear and ruthlessness only increase as the Israelites continue to grow.

Exodus 1:15-17:

The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, “When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.” The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live.

Pharaoh escalates his oppression by commanding the Hebrew midwives to kill all newborn males, attempting to control the Israelite population through infanticide. However, the midwives fear God more than Pharaoh, and their faith leads them to defy his orders. Their actions reflect a deep reverence for life and an understanding that obedience to God surpasses obedience to earthly authorities.

Exodus 1:18-21:

Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?” The midwives answered Pharaoh, “Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive.” So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own.

Pharaoh’s questioning of the midwives reveals his frustration at their disobedience. Their explanation cleverly shifts the blame away from themselves, and God rewards their faithfulness by continuing to multiply the Israelites. The midwives’ fear of God results in blessings, demonstrating that righteousness and obedience lead to divine favor.

Exodus 1:22:

Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: “Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.”

Pharaoh, growing more desperate, commands all Egyptians to participate in the killing of Hebrew boys by throwing them into the Nile. This decree highlights the extent of Pharaoh’s cruelty and serves as a foreshadowing of Moses’ miraculous preservation, which will ultimately lead to the deliverance of Israel from Egypt.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:

Exodus 1 foreshadows the deliverance that is fully realized in Jesus Christ. Just as Moses is born under a death sentence and preserved by God to lead His people out of physical bondage, so Jesus was born under Herod’s decree to kill male infants and was preserved to lead humanity out of spiritual bondage (Matthew 2:16). The pattern of God raising up a deliverer despite the oppression of a wicked ruler points forward to the ultimate deliverance through Christ.

Jesus, like Moses, was sent to free His people—Moses from slavery in Egypt and Jesus from slavery to sin and death. Both figures are mediators of a covenant, but Christ brings a greater and everlasting covenant, fulfilling what was begun in the Old Testament.

Sermon Outline and Flow:

1. Introduction: The Oppression of God’s People
   • Briefly describe the transition from Joseph’s era to Israel’s suffering in Egypt.
   • Relate this to the universal experience of suffering and the need for deliverance.
2. Point 1: The Multiplication of God’s People Amid Suffering
   • Explain how the Israelites multiplied under oppression, showing God’s sovereign power.
   • Application: God often works in our lives during times of difficulty, preparing us for future blessings.
3. Point 2: The Fear of God Leads to Righteousness
   • Discuss the courage of the Hebrew midwives who feared God rather than man.
   • Application: Encourage the congregation to stand firm in their faith, even when facing persecution or pressure to conform.
4. Point 3: Pharaoh’s Futile Attempts to Thwart God’s Plan
   • Explore how Pharaoh’s efforts to suppress the Israelites only led to greater multiplication, demonstrating that God’s plans cannot be thwarted by human authority.
   • Application: God’s sovereignty means that no matter the opposition, His purposes will prevail.

Illustrations and Examples:

• Use a modern example of a Christian standing firm against societal pressures, much like the Hebrew midwives did.
• Share a personal testimony of trusting God’s faithfulness in the face of adversity, paralleling the Israelites’ experience of oppression and growth.

Application for Today’s Christian:

Exodus 1 reminds modern believers that God is sovereign over every circumstance. Whether in times of trial, oppression, or difficulty, God’s purposes cannot be thwarted. Believers can find comfort in knowing that just as God multiplied the Israelites in Egypt, He continues to bless and sustain His people today. The fear of God, exemplified by the midwives, is a model for Christians who face pressures to compromise their faith.

Connection to the Father in Exodus 1:

Exodus 1 reveals God the Father as sovereign, faithful, and protective of His covenant people. His care for Israel, even in their suffering, reflects His fatherly provision and His commitment to His promises. This chapter underscores the fact that God never abandons His people, even in their darkest moments.

Connection to Jesus Christ in Exodus 1:

Moses, who will be introduced in the next chapter, serves as a type of Christ. Just as Moses will be used to deliver the Israelites from physical bondage, Christ delivers humanity from spiritual bondage. Pharaoh’s order to kill the male infants foreshadows Herod’s similar decree in the New Testament, further connecting this chapter to the life and mission of Jesus (Matthew 2:16).

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Exodus 1:

The courage of the midwives in defying Pharaoh can be seen as empowered by the Holy Spirit, who gives strength and boldness to believers. The Spirit works in the lives of God’s people to resist evil and stand firm in faith, just as the midwives stood firm in their fear of God.

Connection to God’s Love in Exodus 1:

God’s love is evident in His protection and multiplication of the Israelites despite Pharaoh’s oppressive actions. His faithfulness to His covenant promises demonstrates His unwavering love for His people. Ultimately, God’s love will be revealed in the deliverance of Israel, which points forward to the ultimate expression of love in the person of Jesus Christ.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does Exodus 1 demonstrate God’s sovereignty in the face of human opposition?
2. In what ways can we emulate the faith and courage of the Hebrew midwives in our daily lives?
3. How does this chapter foreshadow Christ’s deliverance of humanity from sin and death?
4. What does this chapter teach us about trusting God during times of suffering and oppression?
5. How can we apply the lessons of Exodus 1 to stand firm in our faith today?