Exodus 1:7
but the Israelites were fruitful and increased rapidly; they multiplied and became exceedingly numerous, so that the land was filled with them.
but the Israelites
The term "Israelites" refers to the descendants of Jacob, who was also named Israel by God. This name signifies their identity as God's chosen people, a lineage that began with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Hebrew root for Israel, "Yisra'el," means "God prevails," highlighting the divine favor and covenant relationship that God established with this nation. Historically, the Israelites' presence in Egypt began with Joseph, one of Jacob's sons, who rose to power in Egypt and brought his family there during a time of famine.

were fruitful
The phrase "were fruitful" echoes the blessing given by God in Genesis 1:28, where He commands humanity to "be fruitful and multiply." The Hebrew word for "fruitful" is "parah," which conveys the idea of bearing fruit, thriving, and prospering. This fruitfulness is a sign of God's blessing and favor upon the Israelites, fulfilling His promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:5).

and increased abundantly
The Hebrew word for "increased abundantly" is "sharats," which means to swarm or teem. This word paints a vivid picture of the Israelites multiplying rapidly and filling the land, much like a swarm of insects. This abundance is a testament to God's providence and the fulfillment of His promise to make Israel a great nation. It also sets the stage for the subsequent narrative, where their growing numbers become a source of concern for the Egyptians.

they multiplied
The word "multiplied" in Hebrew is "rabah," which means to become many or great. This multiplication is not just in numbers but also in strength and influence. It signifies the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, where He promised that Abraham's descendants would be exceedingly numerous. This multiplication is a divine act, showing that despite being in a foreign land, God's promises remain steadfast and true.

and became exceedingly strong
The phrase "became exceedingly strong" uses the Hebrew word "atzam," which means to be mighty or powerful. This strength is not merely physical but also represents the growing influence and presence of the Israelites in Egypt. It reflects God's empowerment of His people, preparing them for the eventual exodus and the challenges they would face. This strength is a precursor to the deliverance that God would bring through Moses.

so that the land was filled with them
The phrase "the land was filled with them" indicates the vast presence of the Israelites throughout Egypt. The Hebrew word "male" means to fill or be full, suggesting that the Israelites were not confined to a small area but had spread throughout the land. This fulfillment is both a blessing and a source of tension, as it leads to the Egyptians' fear and subsequent oppression of the Israelites. It underscores the theme of God's faithfulness in multiplying His people, even in a foreign land, and sets the stage for the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israelites
The descendants of Jacob (Israel), who were living in Egypt at this time. They were experiencing significant population growth.

2. Egypt
The land where the Israelites were residing. Initially a place of refuge during a famine, it became a place of oppression as the Israelites grew in number.

3. Joseph
Though not mentioned directly in this verse, Joseph's earlier role in bringing his family to Egypt sets the stage for the events in Exodus. His leadership and God's providence led to the Israelites' initial settlement in Egypt.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness
The growth of the Israelites in Egypt is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Despite being in a foreign land, God's covenantal promises are being realized.

Blessing in Adversity
Even in a land that would soon become oppressive, the Israelites experienced God's blessing. This reminds us that God's purposes can prevail even in difficult circumstances.

The Power of Multiplication
The exponential growth of the Israelites serves as a reminder of the power of multiplication in God's kingdom. Small beginnings can lead to significant outcomes when God is at work.

Preparation for Deliverance
The increase in numbers set the stage for the eventual deliverance of the Israelites. God's timing and preparation are perfect, even when we cannot see the full picture.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the growth of the Israelites in Egypt reflect God's promises to Abraham, and what does this teach us about God's faithfulness in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we see God's blessings in our lives, even when we are in challenging or uncomfortable situations?

3. How does the concept of being "fruitful and multiplying" apply to our spiritual lives and the growth of the church today?

4. What can we learn from the Israelites' experience in Egypt about trusting God's timing and preparation for deliverance?

5. How can we apply the lessons of God's faithfulness and blessing in adversity to our current circumstances, and what other scriptures support this understanding?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 1:28
The command to "be fruitful and multiply" given to Adam and Eve is echoed in the Israelites' growth, showing God's continued blessing and fulfillment of His creation mandate.

Genesis 12:2
God's promise to Abraham to make him a great nation is being realized as the Israelites multiply in Egypt.

Acts 7:17
Stephen's speech in the New Testament references the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham as the Israelites multiplied in Egypt.
Tarry Thou the Lord's LeisureG.A. Goodhart Exodus 1:1-7
The Prosperity of IsraelD. Young Exodus 1:1-22
A Multiplying People and a King's FearsJ. Orr Exodus 1:7-11
Israel in EgyptG.A. Goodhart Exodus 1:7-14
A Bad King Will Make a Wicked PeopleJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 1:7-22
A Definition of the Fear of GodC. Buck.Exodus 1:7-22
A King's IgnoranceHomilistExodus 1:7-22
A Large PopulationJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 1:7-22
A Large Population, and What it Led ToJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 1:7-22
A Perversion of LanguageG. Bush.Exodus 1:7-22
Affliction and GrowthH. C. Trumbull.Exodus 1:7-22
Ancestry Numerically RegardedPopular Science MonthlyExodus 1:7-22
Beneficent Influence of the Fear of GodJ. Parker, D. D.Exodus 1:7-22
Beneficial Effects of AfflictionJ. Trapp.Exodus 1:7-22
Change of GovernmentG. Hughes, B. D.Exodus 1:7-22
Civilizing Influence of the Fear of GodT. Guthrie, D. D.Exodus 1:7-22
Darkest Before the DawnJ. J. Van Oosterzee, D. D.Exodus 1:7-22
Egypt Opposed to IsraelW. Jenkyn.Exodus 1:7-22
Egypt, the House of Bondage to God's PeopleJ. B. Brown, B. A.Exodus 1:7-22
Egypt's New KingJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 1:7-22
Embittering the Lives of OthersH. C. Trumbull.Exodus 1:7-22
Emptiness of FameChristian JournalExodus 1:7-22
Excellency of the Fear of GodJ. Spencer.Exodus 1:7-22
Fear of God a SafeguardDr. Hugh Macmillan.Exodus 1:7-22
Fruitfulness of Israelites in EgyptA. Nevin, D. D.Exodus 1:7-22
Graces Multiply by AfflictionT. Adams.Exodus 1:7-22
High Social Position Used for the Furtherance of a Wicked PurposeJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 1:7-22
How to Defeat the DevilSpurgeon, Charles HaddonExodus 1:7-22
Increase by God's BlessingG. Hughes, B. D.Exodus 1:7-22
Increasing Power of SinA. Maclaren, D. D.Exodus 1:7-22
Jealousy of AutocratsScientific Illustrations and SymbolsExodus 1:7-22
Life Maintained by StrugglingScientific Illustrations and SymbolsExodus 1:7-22
Like Ruler, Like PeopleJ. Harding.Exodus 1:7-22
Lnjuries OverruledScientific Illustrations and SymbolsExodus 1:7-22
Moral Growth Proportionate to AfflictionJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 1:7-22
Moulding Influences of LifeH. W. Beecher.Exodus 1:7-22
Obedience to ConscienceW. Baxendale.Exodus 1:7-22
Oblivion and NeglectJ. Spencer.Exodus 1:7-22
Oppression and GrowthA. Maclaren, D. D.Exodus 1:7-22
Persecution FertilisingJ. Orton.Exodus 1:7-22
Persecution of God's People for Hypothetical OffencesJ. Cumming, D. D.Exodus 1:7-22
Pharaoh's Cruel PolicyA. Maclaren, D. D.Exodus 1:7-22
Pharaoh's Evil Intention Frustrated by GodG. Hughes, B. D.Exodus 1:7-22
Pharaoh's Murderous IntentionsJ. Parker, D. D.Exodus 1:7-22
Pharaoh's Sceptical ReasoningA. Nevin, D. D.Exodus 1:7-22
Progress in SinExodus 1:7-22
Prosperity Under PersecutionsSpurgeon, Charles HaddonExodus 1:7-22
Strange IncreaseThe Apology of Al Kindy, A. D. 830.Exodus 1:7-22
Successful ColonistsScientific Illustrations and SymbolsExodus 1:7-22
Suffering and StrengthW. H. D. Adams.Exodus 1:7-22
That God Allowed His People Thus to be Enslaved and AfflictedJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 1:7-22
The Advantage of AfflictionsJ. Spencer.Exodus 1:7-22
The Best ServiceJ. Parker, D. D.Exodus 1:7-22
The Bitter LivesDr. Fowler.Exodus 1:7-22
The BondageP. Fairbairn, D. D.Exodus 1:7-22
The Bondage of SinC. S. Robinson, D. D.Exodus 1:7-22
The Bondage of SinW. M. Taylor, D. D.Exodus 1:7-22
The Bondage of SinIsaac Barrow.Exodus 1:7-22
The Climax of CrueltyM. M. Kalisch, Ph. D.Exodus 1:7-22
The Despotism of SinJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 1:7-22
The Egyptians Were GrievedJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 1:7-22
The End and Design of the CouncilJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 1:7-22
The Fear of GodGreat ThoughtsExodus 1:7-22
The Increase of the ChurchJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 1:7-22
The King that Knew not JosephJ. Cumming, D. D.Exodus 1:7-22
The Last Edict of a Tyrant KingJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 1:7-22
The Mummy of Rameses the GreatC. S. Robinson, D. D.Exodus 1:7-22
The Spiritual Bondage of MenR. P. Buddicom, M. A.Exodus 1:7-22
The Sufferings of Israel Were Rendered More IntenseJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 1:7-22
The Taskmasters of the WorldJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 1:7-22
The University of Hard KnocksDr. Talmage.Exodus 1:7-22
The Vicissitudes of PowerJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 1:7-22
Use of AdversityIrish Congregational MagazineExodus 1:7-22
Why Does Persecution and Trial Operate ThusJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 1:7-22
Why Were the Males to be Put to Death?J. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 1:7-22
Wrong CouncilsJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 1:7-22
People
Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Egyptians, Gad, Israelites, Issachar, Jacob, Joseph, Levi, Naphtali, Pharaoh, Puah, Reuben, Shiphrah, Simeon, Zebulun
Places
Egypt, Nile River, Pithom, Ramses
Topics
Abundantly, Descendants, Exceeding, Exceedingly, Fertile, Filled, Fruitful, Full, Greatly, Grew, Increased, Increasing, Mighty, Multiplied, Multiply, Numbers, Numerous, Power, Sons, Strong, Swarmed, Teem, Waxed
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 1:7

     7021   church, OT anticipations
     8257   fruitfulness, natural

Exodus 1:1-7

     7266   tribes of Israel

Exodus 1:6-7

     1335   blessing

Exodus 1:6-12

     6703   peace, divine OT

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 Scripture

Death 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

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