The descendants of Jacob numbered seventy in all, including Joseph, who was already in Egypt. The descendants of JacobThis phrase refers to the lineage of Jacob, also known as Israel, the patriarch whose twelve sons became the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Hebrew word for "descendants" is "נֶפֶשׁ" (nephesh), often translated as "souls" or "persons," emphasizing the living beings that came from Jacob. This highlights the continuity of God's covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ensuring that their lineage would grow into a great nation. Historically, this phrase sets the stage for the narrative of the Israelites' growth in Egypt, which is central to the unfolding account of God's deliverance. numbered seventy in all
The number "seventy" is significant in biblical numerology, often symbolizing completeness or a full measure. The Hebrew word for seventy is "שִׁבְעִים" (shiv'im). This number includes Jacob's direct descendants who came to Egypt, signifying the fulfillment of God's promise to make Jacob's family into a great nation. Archaeologically, the number reflects a small group, yet it underscores the miraculous growth of the Israelites in Egypt, setting the stage for their eventual oppression and deliverance. including Joseph
Joseph, one of Jacob's sons, is highlighted separately because he was already in Egypt prior to the arrival of the rest of his family. The Hebrew name "יוֹסֵף" (Yosef) means "He will add," reflecting Joseph's role in God's plan to preserve and increase the family of Israel during the famine. Joseph's presence in Egypt is a testament to God's providence and sovereignty, as his earlier trials and triumphs in Egypt were instrumental in the survival and eventual prosperity of the Israelites. who was already in Egypt
This phrase emphasizes Joseph's unique position and the divine orchestration of events. The Hebrew word for "already" is "הָיָה" (hayah), meaning "was" or "existed," indicating that Joseph's presence in Egypt was part of God's preordained plan. Historically, Joseph's rise to power in Egypt is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, demonstrating God's ability to use individual lives to fulfill His greater purposes. Joseph's account is a powerful reminder of faithfulness and trust in God's timing and provision, even in foreign and challenging circumstances. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobAlso known as Israel, he is the patriarch whose descendants form the twelve tribes of Israel. His journey and family are central to the account of the Israelites. 2. JosephOne of Jacob's sons, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and rose to become a powerful leader in Egypt. His presence in Egypt set the stage for the Israelites' eventual enslavement and exodus. 3. EgyptThe land where Joseph rose to power and where the Israelites eventually became enslaved. It serves as both a place of refuge and oppression for Jacob's descendants. 4. Seventy DescendantsThis number signifies the total family members of Jacob who went to Egypt, symbolizing the beginning of the nation of Israel in a foreign land. 5. The Israelites' Migration to EgyptThis event marks the transition from the patriarchal accounts to the account of the Israelites as a people group, setting the stage for their eventual deliverance. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in NumbersThe specific mention of seventy descendants highlights God's control over the growth and development of His chosen people. It reminds us that God is involved in the details of our lives. Faithfulness Across GenerationsThe journey of Jacob's family to Egypt is a testament to God's faithfulness to His promises, encouraging us to trust in His plans across generations. Providence in AdversityJoseph's presence in Egypt, initially a result of betrayal, becomes a means of survival for his family. This teaches us that God can use difficult circumstances for His purposes. Identity and CommunityThe formation of the Israelites as a distinct people group in a foreign land speaks to the importance of maintaining identity and community in Christ, even when surrounded by a secular culture. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the number seventy in Exodus 1:5 reflect God's promise to Abraham about his descendants? (Consider Genesis 12 and 15) 2. In what ways does Joseph's account illustrate God's providence and sovereignty? How can we apply this understanding to our own lives? 3. How does the migration of Jacob's family to Egypt set the stage for the larger account of the Exodus? What does this teach us about God's long-term plans? 4. Reflect on the significance of maintaining a godly identity in a foreign or secular environment. How can we apply this to our current cultural context? 5. How does the growth of the Israelites from seventy individuals to a great nation encourage us in our faith journey and community building? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 46This chapter provides the genealogy and details of Jacob's family who went to Egypt, confirming the number seventy and highlighting God's promise to make Israel a great nation. Deuteronomy 10Reflects on the growth of the Israelites from seventy persons to a multitude, emphasizing God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Acts 7Stephen's speech recounts the history of Israel, including the migration to Egypt, underscoring God's providential care and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. People Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Egyptians, Gad, Israelites, Issachar, Jacob, Joseph, Levi, Naphtali, Pharaoh, Puah, Reuben, Shiphrah, Simeon, ZebulunPlaces Egypt, Nile River, Pithom, RamsesTopics Already, Body, Descended, Egypt, Jacob, Jacob's, Joseph, Loins, Numbered, Offspring, Persons, Seventy, Souls, ThighDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 1:5 1654 numbers, 11-99 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 1:5 NIVExodus 1:5 NLTExodus 1:5 ESVExodus 1:5 NASBExodus 1:5 KJV
Exodus 1:5 Commentaries
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