Berean Study Bible The Israelites Multiply in EgyptJacob’s twelve sons became the heads of the tribes that formed Israel. Their names preserve the family line through which God continued His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Gen 46:8 Now these are the names of the sons of Israel… who went to Egypt with Jacob, The family entered Egypt during the famine after Joseph had risen to authority there. What began as a temporary refuge became the setting for Israel’s growth into a people distinct from the Egyptians. Gen 46:5-6 Then Jacob departed from Beersheba, and the sons of Israel… each with his family: The households came together under Jacob’s leadership, carrying the covenant family into Egypt. Their increase in the land would fulfill God’s purpose to make Jacob’s descendants into a great nation. Gen 46:7 Jacob took with him to Egypt his sons and grandsons… Reuben, Jacob and Leah’s firstborn, Reuben, meaning “behold, a son,” forfeited the privileges of his birthright through his sin with Bilhah, Jacob’s concubine. His descendants settled east of the Jordan in pastureland suited to their livestock. Gen 29:32 And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son,… Simeon, Jacob and Leah’s second son, whose name means “heard,” joined Levi in the violent revenge against Shechem after Dinah’s defilement. Jacob later condemned their cruelty, and Simeon’s tribe received scattered towns within Judah’s territory. Gen 29:33 Again she conceived and gave birth to a son… Levi, Levi, whose name means “attached,” also participated in the attack on Shechem, yet his tribe was later set apart for service at the tabernacle and priesthood. Rather than receiving a separate tribal territory, the Levites lived in appointed cities throughout Israel. Gen 29:34 Once again Leah conceived and gave birth to a son… and Judah; Judah, whose name means “praise,” became prominent among Jacob’s sons, showing leadership when he offered himself in Benjamin’s place before Joseph. His tribe became Israel’s royal line through David, and the promised Messiah came from Judah. Gen 29:35 And once more she conceived and gave birth to a son… Issachar, Leah’s fifth son and Jacob’s ninth, Issachar, whose name means “there is a reward,” became the ancestor of a tribe settled in the fertile Jezreel Valley. Its people were associated with agricultural labor and strength, prospering in a land suited to farming. In David’s day, men of Issachar were recognized for discerning Israel’s circumstances and offering wise counsel. Gen 46:13 The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puvah, Job, and Shimron. Zebulun, Leah’s sixth son and Jacob’s tenth, Zebulun fathered a tribe allotted territory in northern Canaan. Its position near major trade routes brought contact with coastal commerce and neighboring peoples. The region later formed part of Galilee, where the Messiah’s ministry brought light to an area long affected by foreign influence. Gen 46:14 The sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel. and Benjamin; Rachel’s second son and Jacob’s twelfth, Benjamin, whose name means “son of the right hand,” was deeply loved by his father. The tribe received territory in the central hill country, near Jerusalem, and became known for capable and determined warriors. Benjamin remained allied with Judah after the kingdom divided, and the apostle Paul later identified himself as a Benjamite. Gen 46:21 The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera,… Dan and Naphtali; Dan and Naphtali were sons of Jacob by Bilhah, Rachel’s maidservant. Dan, whose name means “judge,” first received territory in central Canaan but later migrated northward, where his descendants established the city of Dan and became associated with idolatry. Naphtali, whose name means “my struggle” or “wrestling,” settled in the fertile northern region of Galilee, an area later marked by the public ministry of Jesus. Gen 46:23-24 The son of Dan: Hushim.… Gad and Asher. Gad and Asher were sons of Jacob by Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant. Gad, whose name means “good fortune” or “troop,” settled east of the Jordan River in good grazing land and became known for its able fighting men. Asher, whose name means “happy” or “blessed,” received fertile land along the northern coast of Canaan, producing abundant crops and olive oil. Gen 46:16-18 The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni… The descendants of Jacob numbered seventy in all, Jacob’s family entered Egypt as a single household, preserving the line through which God would form Israel into a nation. The seventy included Jacob, his sons, and their descendants who made the journey during the famine. Gen 46:27 And with the two sons who had been born to Joseph in Egypt,… including Joseph, Joseph had been separated from his family for many years but had risen to authority in Egypt. His position enabled him to secure food and land for his father and brothers when famine threatened their survival. Gen 46:20 Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph in Egypt… who was already in Egypt. God had placed Joseph there ahead of his family, preparing a refuge for them in a foreign land. Their settlement in Egypt marked the beginning of Israel’s growth from one family into a people. Gen 39:1 Meanwhile, Joseph had been taken down to Egypt,… Now Joseph Joseph, Jacob’s eleventh son and Rachel’s firstborn, had risen from slavery to rule as Egypt’s chief administrator under Pharaoh. God used him to preserve Jacob’s family during the famine and establish them in Egypt. Gen 50:26 So Joseph died at the age of 110. And they embalmed his body… and all his brothers The sons of Jacob, from whom the twelve tribes of Israel descended, had been reunited with Joseph and settled in Goshen. Their earlier sin against Joseph had been overcome through forgiveness and God’s providential care. Gen 50:8 along with all of Joseph’s household, and his brothers… and all that generation died, With the death of Joseph, his brothers, and their generation, the family of Jacob passed into a new stage of its history. Israel remained in Egypt, where its descendants multiplied until a later Pharaoh subjected them to slavery. Num 32:13 The anger of the LORD burned against Israel,… but the Israelites were fruitful and increased rapidly; God blessed Jacob’s descendants in Egypt, causing their families to grow despite their status as resident foreigners. Their increase showed that God had not forgotten His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Gen 47:27 Now the Israelites settled in the land of Egypt,… they multiplied and became exceedingly numerous, Over generations, the descendants of the seventy who entered Egypt became a large people. Their growing numbers drew the attention of Egypt’s rulers and would soon provoke fear in a new king who did not remember Joseph. Deu 10:22 Your fathers went down to Egypt, seventy in all,… so that the land was filled with them. The Israelites were widely established throughout Egypt’s territory, making their presence impossible to ignore. Their prosperity became the setting for Egypt’s oppression and for God’s coming deliverance through Moses. Psa 80:8-9 You uprooted a vine from Egypt; You drove out the nations…
Oppression by a New KingA change in Egypt’s leadership brought a reversal in the treatment of Israel. The security Joseph’s family had enjoyed under earlier rulers was no longer protected. Dan 2:21 He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings… who did not know Joseph, The king either lacked knowledge of Joseph’s service during the famine or chose to disregard it and the obligation Egypt owed to Joseph’s descendants. Israel’s growing population was viewed as a political threat rather than a blessing. Act 7:18-19 Then another king, who knew nothing of Joseph,… came to power in Egypt. Under this ruler, Egypt’s strength became the instrument of Israel’s oppression, preparing the setting for God’s deliverance of His people from bondage. Exo 2:23-25 After a long time, the king of Egypt died.… “Look,” he said to his people, A new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, warned Egypt’s leaders about Israel’s growing presence. Joseph’s former service and the favor shown to his family had been forgotten. Act 7:18-19 Then another king, who knew nothing of Joseph,… “the Israelites have become too numerous Jacob’s descendants had multiplied greatly in Egypt, just as God had promised. Their growth, though peaceful, made them a distinct and sizable people within the land. Act 7:17 As the time drew near for God to fulfill His promise… and too powerful for us. Pharaoh viewed Israel’s strength as a political and military threat. His fear led Egypt to oppress the Israelites, setting in motion the events that would culminate in God’s deliverance of His people from slavery. Deu 7:1 When the LORD your God brings you into the land… Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, Pharaoh viewed Israel’s rapid growth as a political danger and chose calculated oppression rather than just rule. His policy arose from fear and set Egypt against the people God had blessed. Act 7:19 He exploited our people and oppressed our fathers… or they will increase even more; Israel’s multiplying population confirmed God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises, but Egypt regarded that blessing as a threat to its security. Gen 47:27 Now the Israelites settled in the land of Egypt,… and if a war breaks out, Egypt faced recurring military pressures from surrounding powers, and Pharaoh feared that a large foreign population within his borders could become a danger during invasion or unrest. Deu 20:1-4 When you go out to war against your enemies… they may join our enemies, Pharaoh assumed the Israelites’ loyalty could shift against Egypt. His suspicion treated them as a potential enemy despite their long residence in the land. Psa 83:2-8 See how Your enemies rage, how Your foes… fight against us, Their numbers made Pharaoh fear an uprising from within. Rather than trusting his own strength, he sought to weaken Israel through forced labor and later through violence against their children. 1Sa 29:4 But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with Achish… and leave the country.” Israel’s departure would deprive Egypt of a major labor force. Pharaoh wanted to preserve Egypt’s economic advantage by keeping God’s people in bondage, even as God was preparing to deliver them. Exo 12:31-33 Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said…… So the Egyptians appointed taskmasters over the Israelites A new Pharaoh, threatened by Israel’s rapid growth, replaced Egypt’s former favor toward Joseph’s family with harsh control. Egyptian overseers were assigned to supervise and compel the Israelites’ labor, reducing a people once welcomed in the land to bondage. Their suffering unfolded as God had foretold to Abraham. Exo 5:6 That same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters… to oppress them with forced labor. The work was deliberately severe, intended to weaken the Israelites and curb their strength. They were compelled to serve Egypt’s building projects under unrelenting demands, conditions that later included the requirement to produce bricks without being supplied straw. Deu 26:6 But the Egyptians mistreated us and afflicted us… As a result, they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. These cities in the eastern Nile Delta served Pharaoh’s administration, likely storing grain, supplies, and military provisions. Israel’s labor increased Egypt’s wealth and security while exposing the cruelty of Pharaoh’s rule. Rameses would later be identified as the place from which Israel began its departure from Egypt. Exo 12:37 The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth… But the more they were oppressed, After Joseph’s death, a new Pharaoh subjected Israel to harsh forced labor in an effort to control their growing population. The burdens placed upon them included building Pharaoh’s store cities under severe conditions. Deu 26:6 But the Egyptians mistreated us and afflicted us… the more they multiplied and flourished; Egypt’s oppression did not overturn God’s purpose for the descendants of Abraham. Israel continued to increase in number and strength, preserving the family that would become the nation God had promised. Gen 47:27 Now the Israelites settled in the land of Egypt,… so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. Pharaoh’s fear deepened as Israel grew, leading Egypt to impose even harsher measures and eventually to order the death of Hebrew infant boys. Their fear set the stage for God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt through Moses. Psa 105:38 Egypt was glad when they departed, for the dread of Israel… They worked the Israelites ruthlessly As Israel’s population increased in Egypt, Pharaoh subjected the people to severe forced labor in an attempt to weaken and control them. They were compelled to build with brick and mortar and to labor in the fields under cruel taskmasters. Egypt’s oppression marked the beginning of the bondage God had foretold to Abraham, yet it also set the stage for God’s deliverance through Moses. Israel’s suffering revealed both Pharaoh’s resistance to God’s purposes and God’s faithfulness to preserve His covenant people. Deu 26:6 But the Egyptians mistreated us and afflicted us… and made their lives bitter with hard labor Egypt’s oppression fulfilled God’s warning that Abraham’s descendants would be afflicted in a foreign land. Israel’s suffering was deliberate, intended to break their strength and restrain their growth. Deu 26:6-7 But the Egyptians mistreated us and afflicted us… in brick and mortar, The Israelites were forced into construction work, making mud bricks for Egypt’s building projects, including its storage cities. Such labor was exhausting and degrading, imposed by a nation that treated them as slaves. Exo 5:7-8 You shall no longer supply the people with straw… and with all kinds of work in the fields. Their bondage also included agricultural labor, supplying the needs of Egypt’s economy. Israel was pressed into service wherever Pharaoh’s officials required workers. 1Sa 8:12 He will appoint some for himself as commanders… Every service they imposed was harsh. Egyptian taskmasters ruled with cruelty, making Israel’s work unbearable. Their severe affliction prepared the setting for God’s judgment on Egypt and His deliverance of His covenant people. 1Ki 12:4 Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you must… Then the king of Egypt said Pharaoh, the unnamed ruler of Egypt, exercised absolute authority over the land. Alarmed by Israel’s growing population, he moved from public oppression to a secret plan aimed at weakening the Hebrews at their birth. Exo 5:6 That same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters… to the Hebrew midwives, These women served among the Israelites and held responsibility for the safety of mothers and newborn children. Pharaoh sought to use their position within the Hebrew community to carry out his command. Gen 35:17 During her severe labor, the midwife said to her… whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, Shiphrah (“beauty” or “brightness”) and Puah (possibly “splendid” or “fragrant”) are remembered by name because of their central role in preserving Israel’s children. Though Pharaoh is not named, these women are, emphasizing the lasting significance of their obedience in the face of royal authority. Rut 1:4 who took Moabite women as their wives, one named Orpah… “When you help the Hebrew women give birth, Pharaoh addressed Shiphrah and Puah, who served women of Israel during labor. Israel’s rapid growth in Egypt had stirred Pharaoh’s fear, and he sought to weaken the people before they could become a military threat. Gen 38:28 And as she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand;… observe them on the birthstools. The women gave birth with the assistance of midwives, who were present to care for mother and child. Pharaoh’s order required the midwives to identify the infant immediately at birth. Isa 37:3 “This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of distress,”… If the child is a son, kill him; Pharaoh attempted to restrain Israel’s growth by secretly murdering Hebrew boys. His command revealed both his cruelty and his fear of a people whom God was multiplying in Egypt. Mat 2:16 When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi… but if it is a daughter, let her live.” Daughters were not viewed as an immediate danger to Pharaoh’s power, since sons could become soldiers and leaders. Yet Pharaoh’s plan could not prevent God from preserving His people and preparing the way for Moses’ birth and Israel’s deliverance. Num 31:18 but spare for yourselves every girl… The midwives, however, feared God Their reverence for God led them to recognize His authority above Pharaoh’s command. They refused to participate in the murder of innocent children, choosing obedience to God despite the danger of defying Egypt’s ruler. Deu 10:12 And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you… and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; Pharaoh’s order sought to weaken Israel by destroying its sons, but the midwives would not carry out his cruel policy. Their resistance preserved the lives of Hebrew families under oppression. Act 5:29 But Peter and the other apostles replied,… they let the boys live. God used their faithfulness to protect Israel’s future, including the generation from which Moses would arise to lead the people out of Egypt. Exo 2:2-3 and she conceived and gave birth to a son.… So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives Pharaoh confronted Shiphrah and Puah after learning that the Hebrew infant boys had been spared. Though regarded as a divine ruler whose orders carried absolute authority, he could not compel these women to participate in murder. Their refusal exposed the limits of his power and preserved the lives of Israel’s children. Exo 8:8 Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Pray to the LORD… and asked them, Pharaoh demanded an account for their disobedience. He expected the midwives to carry out his command, but they had chosen to fear God rather than submit to an evil decree. Gen 42:7 And when Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them,… “Why have you done this? His question reveals both anger and surprise. The king had sought to weaken Israel through the death of its sons, yet the women entrusted with carrying out his plan had opposed him. Jos 7:19 So Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD,… Why have you let the boys live?” Pharaoh feared Israel’s growing strength and viewed its male children as a future threat. God used the midwives’ faithfulness to frustrate his purpose and to preserve the generation from which Moses would arise as Israel’s deliverer. Exo 2:2-3 and she conceived and gave birth to a son.… The midwives answered Pharaoh, Shiphrah and Puah stood before Egypt’s king after refusing his command to kill Hebrew boys. Their answer protected the children and showed that they feared God above Pharaoh’s authority. Gen 41:16 “I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will…”… “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, The midwives described the Hebrew women as distinct from the Egyptians, among whom Israel lived as a growing foreign people. God’s blessing on Israel continued despite Pharaoh’s oppression. Exo 8:22-23 But on that day I will give special treatment to the land… for they are vigorous The Hebrew women were strong and able to endure childbirth under difficult conditions. Their continued fruitfulness frustrated Pharaoh’s effort to reduce Israel’s numbers. Pro 31:17 She girds herself with strength and shows that her arms… and give birth before a midwife arrives.” By the time the midwives came, the children had already been born and could not be killed at delivery. God preserved the sons of Israel and overturned Pharaoh’s plan through the courage of two women. Isa 66:7 Before she was in labor, she gave birth;… So God was good to the midwives, God honored Shiphrah and Puah for fearing Him above Pharaoh and refusing to participate in the murder of Hebrew children. Their obedience preserved life and demonstrated that God’s authority stands above every human command. Psa 31:19 How great is Your goodness which You have laid up… and the people multiplied Israel continued to increase despite Egypt’s oppression. Pharaoh’s efforts to weaken the Hebrews could not overturn God’s promise to make Abraham’s descendants a great nation. Act 7:17 As the time drew near for God to fulfill His promise… and became even more numerous. The growing population showed God’s faithfulness and prepared the way for Israel’s later deliverance from Egypt. What Pharaoh intended for destruction, God used to advance His purposes for His people. Deu 1:10 The LORD your God has multiplied you, so that you are… And because the midwives feared God, Their reverence for God led them to defy Pharaoh’s command to kill the Hebrew boys. They recognized that the king’s authority was subject to God’s authority and chose to preserve life rather than participate in murder. Their conduct stands in sharp contrast to Pharaoh’s cruelty and disregard for the God of Israel. Gen 22:12 “Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him,” said the angel… He gave them families of their own. God honored the midwives’ faithfulness by granting them households, a lasting blessing in a culture where family, children, and inheritance represented security and favor. Their reward showed that God saw their obedience and acted on their behalf. Psa 68:6 God settles the lonely in families; He leads the prisoners… Then Pharaoh commanded all his people: Pharaoh issued a public decree that extended the oppression of Israel beyond the royal court to the Egyptian population. Regarded as the supreme ruler of Egypt, he used the authority of his throne to enlist the nation in resisting God’s growing people. Est 3:12-13 On the thirteenth day of the first month,… “Every son born to the Hebrews you must throw into the Nile, The order targeted Hebrew boys, seeking to prevent the rise of future leaders and warriors. The Nile, Egypt’s source of life and prosperity, was turned into an instrument of death through Pharaoh’s cruelty. Exo 2:3-4 But when she could no longer hide him… but every daughter you may allow to live.” Hebrew girls were spared because they were not viewed as an immediate military threat and could more easily be absorbed into Egyptian society. Yet God would use women, including Moses’ mother and sister, to preserve the child through whom He would deliver Israel. Exo 2:5-10 Soon the daughter of Pharaoh went down to bathe… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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