These are the names of the sons of Israel who went to Egypt with Jacob, each with his family: These are the namesThe phrase "These are the names" serves as a formal introduction, a common literary device in ancient Near Eastern texts, indicating the beginning of a new narrative or list. In Hebrew, "names" (שֵׁמוֹת, shemot) carries significant weight, as names often reflect character, destiny, or divine purpose. This introduction not only connects the reader to the patriarchal history of Genesis but also emphasizes the continuity of God's covenantal promises through the lineage of Israel. of the sons of Israel
The term "sons of Israel" (בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, b'nei Yisrael) refers to the descendants of Jacob, who was renamed Israel after wrestling with God (Genesis 32:28). This phrase underscores the identity of the Israelites as a chosen people, set apart by God for His purposes. It also highlights the familial and tribal structure that will play a crucial role in the unfolding narrative of Exodus, as these sons become the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. who went to Egypt
The journey "to Egypt" (מִצְרָיְמָה, Mitzraymah) is a pivotal moment in Israel's history. It recalls the providential circumstances that led Jacob and his family to seek refuge in Egypt during a severe famine (Genesis 46). This migration sets the stage for the subsequent enslavement and eventual deliverance of the Israelites, illustrating God's sovereignty and faithfulness in using even adverse circumstances to fulfill His promises. with Jacob
The mention of "Jacob" (יַעֲקֹב, Ya'akov) is significant as it ties the narrative back to the patriarchal promises given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob's journey to Egypt is not merely a physical relocation but a continuation of the divine plan. His presence in the narrative serves as a reminder of God's covenantal faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive purposes through the lineage of the patriarchs. each with his family
The phrase "each with his family" (אִישׁ וּבֵיתוֹ, ish u'beito) emphasizes the communal and familial nature of the Israelite identity. It highlights the importance of family units in the preservation and transmission of faith and culture. This detail foreshadows the multiplication of the Israelites in Egypt, setting the stage for their transformation from a family into a nation. It also reflects the biblical theme of God's concern for families and His work through them to accomplish His divine purposes. Persons / Places / Events 1. Sons of IsraelRefers to the twelve sons of Jacob, who are the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. Their journey to Egypt marks the beginning of the Israelites' sojourn in a foreign land. 2. JacobAlso known as Israel, he is the father of the twelve sons. His migration to Egypt is a pivotal event in the history of the Israelites, setting the stage for their eventual enslavement and subsequent exodus. 3. EgyptThe land where the Israelites settled during a time of famine. It becomes both a place of refuge and later, a place of oppression for the Israelites. 4. FamiliesIndicates that the sons of Israel did not travel alone but brought their households, signifying the beginning of the nation of Israel in Egypt. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in HistoryThe movement of Jacob's family to Egypt was part of God's divine plan, demonstrating His control over historical events to fulfill His promises. Faith in God's PromisesDespite the circumstances, Jacob and his sons trusted in God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, showing the importance of faith in God's long-term plans. Family and CommunityThe mention of families highlights the importance of community and family in God's plan. It encourages believers to value and nurture their familial and communal relationships. Preparation for Future DeliveranceThe journey to Egypt sets the stage for the eventual deliverance of the Israelites, reminding believers that God often prepares the way for future redemption even in difficult circumstances. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the journey of Jacob and his family to Egypt demonstrate God's sovereignty in the lives of His people? 2. In what ways can we see the importance of family and community in the early chapters of Exodus, and how can we apply this to our own lives? 3. How does the account of Jacob's family in Egypt connect to the broader account of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? 4. What can we learn from the faith of the patriarchs as described in Hebrews 11, and how can this inspire us in our own faith journey? 5. How does understanding the historical context of the Israelites' journey to Egypt help us better appreciate the account of the Exodus and God's deliverance? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 46This chapter provides the detailed account of Jacob and his family's journey to Egypt, including the names of his sons and their descendants. Acts 7Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin recounts the history of Israel, including the migration to Egypt, highlighting God's providence and faithfulness. Hebrews 11The faith of the patriarchs, including Jacob, is celebrated, emphasizing their trust in God's promises despite not seeing their fulfillment in their lifetime. People Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Egyptians, Gad, Israelites, Issachar, Jacob, Joseph, Levi, Naphtali, Pharaoh, Puah, Reuben, Shiphrah, Simeon, ZebulunPlaces Egypt, Nile River, Pithom, RamsesTopics Egypt, Family, Household, Jacob, Names, SonsDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 1:1 5681 family, nature of Exodus 1:1-5 5096 Jacob, patriarch Exodus 1:1-7 7266 tribes of Israel Library Four Shaping Centuries
'Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt: every man and his household came with Jacob. 2. Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3. Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4. Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5. And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already. 6. And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. 7, And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureDeath and Growth
'And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. 7. And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty....'--EXODUS i. 6, 7. These remarkable words occur in a short section which makes the link between the Books of Genesis and of Exodus. The writer recapitulates the list of the immigrants into Egypt, in the household of Jacob, and then, as it were, having got them there, he clears the stage to prepare for a new set of actors. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Prosperity under Persecution
Of this general principle we shall now proceed to consider three special illustrations. First, the circumstances of the children of Israel; secondly, the history of the church of Christ; thirdly, the experience of individual Christians. I. IN THE CASE OF ISRAEL, it did seem to be a deep-laid plot, very politic and crafty indeed, that as the kings of Egypt, themselves of an alien race, had subdued the Egyptians, they should prevent the other alien race, the Israelites, from conquering them. Instead …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871 But, as for that which is Written, that God did Good to the Hebrew...
32. But, as for that which is written, that God did good to the Hebrew midwives, and to Rahab the harlot of Jericho, [2444] this was not because they lied, but because they were merciful to God's people. That therefore which was rewarded in them was, not their deceit, but their benevolence; benignity of mind, not iniquity of lying. [2445] For, as it would not be marvellous and absurd if God on account of good works after done by them should be willing to forgive some evil works at another time before …
St. Augustine—Against Lying There is a Great Question About Lying, which Often Arises in the Midst Of...
1. There is a great question about Lying, which often arises in the midst of our every day business, and gives us much trouble, that we may not either rashly call that a lie which is not such, or decide that it is sometimes right to tell a lie, that is, a kind of honest, well-meant, charitable lie. This question we will painfully discuss by seeking with them that seek: whether to any good purpose, we need not take upon ourselves to affirm, for the attentive reader will sufficiently gather from the …
St. Augustine—On Lying The Secret of Its Greatness
[Illustration: (drop cap G) The Great Pyramid] God always chooses the right kind of people to do His work. Not only so, He always gives to those whom He chooses just the sort of life which will best prepare them for the work He will one day call them to do. That is why God put it into the heart of Pharaoh's daughter to bring up Moses as her own son in the Egyptian palace. The most important part of Moses' training was that his heart should be right with God, and therefore he was allowed to remain …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making The Wisdom of God
The next attribute is God's wisdom, which is one of the brightest beams of the Godhead. He is wise in heart.' Job 9:9. The heart is the seat of wisdom. Cor in Hebraeo sumitur pro judicio. Pineda. Among the Hebrews, the heart is put for wisdom.' Let men of understanding tell me:' Job 34:44: in the Hebrew, Let men of heart tell me.' God is wise in heart, that is, he is most wise. God only is wise; he solely and wholly possesses all wisdom; therefore he is called, the only wise God.' I Tim 1:17. All …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
BY A.E. GRIMKE. "Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not within thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place: but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this. And Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer:--and so will I go in unto the king, …
Angelina Emily Grimke—An Appeal to the Christian Women of the South Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 1:1 NIVExodus 1:1 NLTExodus 1:1 ESVExodus 1:1 NASBExodus 1:1 KJV
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