The period of the Israelites' multiplication in Egypt is a significant epoch in biblical history, marking the transition from the patriarchal narratives of Genesis to the national history of Israel in Exodus. This era is primarily chronicled in the opening chapters of the Book of Exodus, where the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, experience both prosperity and oppression in a foreign land.

Background and Context

Following the migration of Jacob and his family to Egypt during a severe famine, as recounted in Genesis 46, the Israelites settled in the land of Goshen. This move was facilitated by Joseph, Jacob's son, who had risen to a position of power in Egypt as Pharaoh's vizier. The initial period in Egypt was marked by favor and growth, as the Israelites were fruitful and multiplied greatly.

Biblical Account

The Book of Exodus begins by recounting the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his household. "Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died, but the Israelites were fruitful and increased abundantly; they multiplied and became exceedingly numerous, so that the land was filled with them" (Exodus 1:6-7). This rapid population growth is seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:5).

The Rise of a New Pharaoh

The narrative takes a pivotal turn with the rise of a new Pharaoh "who did not know Joseph" (Exodus 1:8). This new king perceived the burgeoning Israelite population as a potential threat to national security. Fearing that the Israelites might join Egypt's enemies in the event of war, he sought to suppress their growth through oppressive measures.

Oppression and Enslavement

Pharaoh's strategy to curb the Israelite population involved subjecting them to harsh labor. "So they appointed taskmasters over them to oppress them with forced labor. And they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh" (Exodus 1:11). Despite the oppression, the Israelites continued to multiply, which only intensified the Egyptians' dread.

In a further attempt to control the population, Pharaoh commanded the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill all newborn Hebrew boys. However, the midwives feared God and defied the king's orders, allowing the boys to live. When questioned by Pharaoh, they explained that the Hebrew women were vigorous and gave birth before the midwives arrived (Exodus 1:15-19).

Divine Providence and Continued Growth

The narrative underscores the theme of divine providence, as God blessed the midwives for their faithfulness, and the people continued to increase in number. "So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied and became even more numerous" (Exodus 1:20). This period of multiplication, despite adversity, set the stage for the eventual deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.

Significance in Salvation History

The multiplication of the Israelites in Egypt is a crucial development in salvation history, illustrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. It highlights the tension between divine providence and human opposition, a recurring theme throughout the biblical narrative. This period also sets the foundation for the emergence of Moses, the deliverer, and the subsequent Exodus, which would become a defining moment in the identity and faith of the Israelite nation.