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Steven Cole · Citado em PreceptAustin
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Cole - The Greek text of Genesis 46 adds the five children of Ephraim and Manasseh, thus making the ‘seventy-five’ of Acts 7:14+ The theological point is the difference between the small number who entered Egypt and the large numbers who left. (TOTC-Exodus) Walter Kaiser on seventy in number - the family list in Genesis 46 gives this tally: the 6 men of Leah had 25 sons and 2 grandsons totaling 33; the 2 sons of Rachel had 12 sons totaling 14 ; Bilhah's 2 sons had 5 sons contributing 7 to the sum, and Zilpah's 2 sons had 11 sons, 1 daughter (apparently counted here), and 2 grandsons, making 16 ; therefore, 33 plus 14 plus 7 plus 16 equals seventy....The Lxx, on the other hand, adds the names of Joseph's 3 grandsons and 2 great-grandsons in Genesis 46:20. Therefore, the total that version gives for Genesis 46:27 is 75. Interestingly enough the Lxx version for Exodus 1:5, Acts 7:14+, and one Hebrew MS from Qumran...all have 75 as a total here as well. Regardless of which figure is used (seventy or seventy-five), the number is actual, not figurative. (Ibid) But Joseph was already in Egypt - Ps 105:17 records "He (JEHOVAH) sent a man before them (THE SONS OF ISRAEL), Joseph, who was sold as a slave. 18 They afflicted his feet with fetters, He himself was laid in irons; 19 Until the time that his word came to pass, The word of the LORD tested him. 20 The king sent and released him, The ruler of peoples, and set him free. 21 He made him (JOSEPH) lord of his house And ruler over all his possessions, 22 To imprison his princes at will, That he might teach his elders wisdom. 23 Israel also came into Egypt; Thus Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham. David Thompson - How did Joseph get there? Remember the story, his brothers sold him as a slave, but God’s sovereignty was in it all. God directed Joseph and blessed Joseph and elevated Joseph even when he was shafted by others. While we are traveling through this Egyptian world of ours, there may be times when we are mistreated and abused. It is a great thing to remember that our God is still sovereign and He is still directing us and protecting us and can bless us. Joseph is proof of that. God can use his people anywhere. (Sermon) Who was Joseph in the Bible? THOUGHT - What we certainly do see in this list is the grace of God. The list of names contains some serious sin issues. Judah had an immoral fling with Tamar, his daughter-in-law, who he thought was a prostitute (Gen. 38). Simeon and Levi were hotheaded guys who were on a revenge warpath (Gen. 34:30). Reuben was immoral with his father’s concubine (Gen. 35:22). Even though there had been these horrific sins, there was also the amazing grace. God is in the business of blessing and using people who come from bizarre backgrounds, who face sin and purpose to walk in ways that are right. This is not the perfect family story. But this story certainly magnifies the grace of God. When people turn to God and to His grace no matter what their family background, God can and will greatly use them. (Thompson) Robert Neighbour - ISRAEL IN EGYPT (Exod. 1:5) Our minds go back to the time when Joseph was carried captive into Egypt, and to the time when Jacob and his eleven sons came to Joseph. When we think of the Children of Israel dwelling for so many years in Egypt, several lessons come before our minds. 1. We are in the world. We may marvel at the fact that God permitted the Children of Israel to be in Egypt, but He permits us to be placed in a world which is under the sway and power of the wicked one. There is not a true and separated believer anywhere but who must realize that he is surrounded by much of evil and sin. 2. We are not of the world. Israel was in Egypt, but Israel was not of Egypt. Pharaoh himself recognized this. He knew that the Hebrews were a different people from the Egyptians, that they were a peculiar people. Satan is never more contented than when he causes saints to forget their stranger and pilgrimage attitude. The earth is not our home. It is but an abiding place. 3. We are sent to the world. There is no doubt in our mind whatsoever but that Israel in Egypt carried a testimony from God to Egypt. Joseph meant a great deal in his day to the Egyptians. Through him they learned of his God. We who are saved are not only in the world, but we are there that the world may know of God, and that, knowing, they may come into His salvation. 4. We are hated by the world. In it, and not of it, and sent to it, does not tell the whole story of the believer in his attitude toward the world. Christ said, "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me." It was not long until the Children of Israel were hated by the Egyptians, and it will not be long until we are hated by the world which knows not God. Exodus 1:6 Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation. Ge 50:24,26 Ac 7:14-16 Heb 11:22 Exodus 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Source: Ryrie Study Bible THE GREAT-GRANDSON OF ABRAHAM DIES Genesis 50:24-26 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will surely take care of (Lxx = two verbs to express the superlative = episkope episkopeo - means to visit to help - same verb used of Messiah's coming to provide redemption in Lk 1:68+) you and bring you up from this land (PROPHECY OF THE "EXODUS") to the land which He promised on oath to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob (Ge 15:7, 18+ Abrahamic Covenant).” 25 Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, “God will surely take care of you (Lxx = episkopeo), and you shall carry my bones up from here (Joseph's song was This world is not my home I'm just a passing through).” 26 So Joseph died (Lxx = teleutao - see note below) at the age of one hundred and ten years; and he was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt.
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Cole - The Hebrew deliberately repeats three verbs used in Genesis 1:21, 22 which may be translated ‘were fruitful (parah)… swarmed (sharats)… became numerous (rabah)’. This increase was interpreted as God’s promised blessing on His creation. (Ibid) The sons of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly, and multiplied - Continuing the previous comment (Under "but"), we see that the phrase Sons of Israel is now used as a reference to the nation of Israel. The verb increased greatly (swarmed - sharats) is in as sense a play on words, for here it is the Israelites who are "swarming" on the land and in Ex 8:3 the verb describes "The Nile will swarm (sharats) with frogs, which will come up and go into your house and into your bedroom and on your bed, and into the houses of your servants and on your people, and into your ovens and into your kneading bowls." The swarning people and frogs would vex the king and lead to his eventual acquiescing to let the people go. Victor Hamilton quips "In Genesis the problem is too much infertility. Here so much fertility will arouse the paranoid fears of Pharaoh. Apparently there are few, if any, Sarahs or Rebekahs or Rachels in Goshen." (Exodus: An Exegetical Commentary) Stephen tells that "as the time of the promise was approaching which God had assured to Abraham (TO DELIVER HIS PEOPLE - SEE Ge 15:13-16+), the people increased (auxano) and multiplied (plethuno) in Egypt, until THERE AROSE ANOTHER KING OVER EGYPT WHO KNEW NOTHING ABOUT JOSEPH.(Acts 7:17-18+) Exodus 1:7 describes the beginning of the fulfillment of prophecy, the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that “I will make you exceedingly fruitful (parah), and I will make nations of you, and kings will come forth from you." (Genesis 17:6) And so we see the first "nation" coming from Abraham, the nation of Israel (sons of Israel) having its birth so to speak in the nation of Egypt. And as Stephen explains in the preceding passage, the other prophetic promise that was about to be fulfilled was that God would deliver Israel from Egyptian enslavement. Exodus 1:7 is also an answer to Isaac's prayer for His son Jacob when he prayed "May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful (parah) and multiply you (rabah), that you may become a company (Lxx = sunagoge) of peoples. 4 “May He also give you the blessing of Abraham (Ge 12:1-3+), to you and to your descendants with you, that you may possess the land of your sojournings, which God gave to Abraham.” (Ge 28:3-4). In Ge 35:11 God Himself promises Jacob “I am God Almighty (EL Shaddai - God Almighty); be fruitful (parah) and multiply (rabah); A nation and a company (Lxx = sunagoge) of nations shall come from you, And kings shall come forth from you." The word company (qahal) is used in Ex 12:6 to describe "the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel" and in Ex 16:3 to describe "this whole assembly." So clearly in these contexts, the word company (qahal) refers to the entire nation of Israel. In short, Isaac's prayer for Jacob and Jehovah's promise for Jacob's fruitfulness were beginning to be fulfilled in Exodus 1:7. GROWTH OF THE NATION OF ISRAEL - Recall that this family began with five people back in Haran: Jacob, Rachel, Leah, Zilphah, and Bilhah. But because of the promise of God (Ge 12:2+ "I will make you a great [large] nation") and the blessing of God, the family of Jacob underwent amazing growth in Egypt. We see the extent of Israel's fruitfulness and multiplication in Numbers, where Moses records the census of Israel and then sums it up in Nu 1:45-46 saying "So all the numbered men of the sons of Israel by their fathers’ households, from twenty years old and upward, whoever was able to go out to war in Israel, even all the numbered men were 603,550 (Ex 12:37 says "about six hundred thousand men on foot, aside from children")." If one factors in wives and children, the number was probably in the range of 2 million Israelites! And as the Psalmist teaches us Israel's fruitfulness was not because of their own strength, but was a reflection of the gracious gift of Jehovah for "Behold, children are a gift of the LORD; The fruit of the womb is a reward." (Ps 127:3) Indeed, bearing children was a sign of prosperity and God's blessing in the Old Testament. (See "The Growth of Israel in Egypt - The Phenomenon of Exponential Growth" - Ralph Winter - this is a link to an excerpt from a Google book and may not work). Were fruitful (06509)(parah) means to bear fruit, to be fruitful, to flourish and speaks of multiplication of various things - fruit, childe. This verb is repeatedly used in the affirmation of the Abrahamic covenant (Ge 17:6, 28:3, 25:11, 47:27, 48:4, Lev 26:9, Ps 105:24). In Ps 128:3 parah speaks of one's wife "like a fruitful vine." In Isaiah 11:1 it is a prophecy of the Messiah, Isaiah declaring "Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, And a branch from his roots will bear fruit." Jeremiah speaks of the future days when Israel will be "multiplied and increased in the land," referring to their time of repentance and entrance into the earthly Kingdom of the Messiah. This verb is used in Ex 23:30 where God promises Israel “I will drive them out before you (Ex 23:23 - "the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hivites and the Jebusites") little by little, until you become fruitful and take possession of the land." In Lev 26:9+ Jehovah promises Israel (if they obey -Lev 26:1-8) "I will turn toward you and make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will confirm My covenant with you." The root parah is at the heart of the name of one of the tribes of Israel. Genesis 41:52, "[Joseph] named the second son Ephraim (ʾeprāyim) because God has made me fruitful (hipranî) in the country of my affliction." This verb is at the heart of the Abrahamic covenant for in Ge 17:6 God promises Abraham “I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings will come forth from you." "Abraham is then 99 yo and this is a reiteration of the promise in Ge 12:4 given 24 years earlier. Sarah was post-menopausal and Abraham was impotent (Ge 17:17, Ro 4:19+) and yet Abraham believed God (Ge 15:6). Abraham made some mistakes to be sure but talk about faith that is unwavering in the face of seeming impossibilities! The Septuagint (Lxx) often translates parah with the verb auxano meaning to grow, increase, multiply (used by Stephen in Acts 7:17 - see above). This verb is interesting because for someone or something to grow (auxáno), it must be acted upon by an outside power or have the element of life within him or it. For children the "element" is God (Ps 127:3). For believers is is the Word and the Spirit (1 Pe 2:2+, 2 Cor 3:18+, 2 Pe 3:18+). Parah - breed abundantly(1), increased greatly(1), populate the abundantly(1), swarm(3), swarmed(2), swarms(5), teem(1). Gen. 1:22; Gen. 1:28; Gen. 8:17 - to the animals in the Ark; Gen. 9:1,7 = command to Noah; Gen. 17:6; Gen. 17:20 - to Ishmael; Gen. 26:22; Gen. 28:3; Gen. 35:11; Gen. 41:52; Gen. 47:27; Gen. 48:4; Gen. 49:22; Exod. 1:7; Exod. 23:30; Lev. 26:9; Deut. 29:18; Ps. 105:24; Ps. 128:3; Isa. 11:1; Isa. 17:6; Isa. 32:12; Isa. 45:8; Jer. 3:16; Jer. 23:3; Ezek. 19:10; Ezek. 36:11 = In the Millennium = "‘I will multiply on you man and beast; and they will increase and be fruitful;"; Hos. 13:15 Increased greatly (08317)(sharats) means to swarm, to teem, to breed abundantly. This verb serves as a description of a large number of creatures densely populating a location. Most passages use the animals themselves as the subject of the verb, but some verses speak of land or water swarming with creatures. Shārats emphasizes their immense numbers and prolific reproduction. In Exodus 1:1 we see a "swarm" of Israelites and in Ex 8:3 (Ps 105:30) a "swarm" of frogs! This verb is used repeatedly in the context of God's call to Israel to be a holy or set apart people, as exemplified in Lev 11:43-44+ "Do not render yourselves detestable through any of the swarming things that swarm (sharats); and you shall not make yourselves unclean with them so that you become unclean., ‘For (term of explanation) I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. And you shall not make yourselves unclean with any of the swarming things that swarm on the earth." (cf NT parallel - 1 Peter 1:13-16+). Sharats - 14x in 14v - breed abundantly(1), increased greatly(1), populate the abundantly(1), swarm(3), swarmed(2), swarms(5), teem(1). Gen. 1:20; Gen. 1:21; Gen. 7:21; Gen. 8:17; Gen. 9:7; Exod. 1:7; Exod. 8:3; Lev. 11:29; Lev. 11:41; Lev. 11:42; Lev. 11:43; Lev. 11:46; Ps. 105:30; Ezek. 47:9 Multiplied (07235)(rabah) speaks of numerical increase. "means to become numerous or great: it expresses God's original mandate for humans to multiply on earth (Gen. 1:22, 28). It depicts the increase of Israelites in Egypt (Ex. 1:10, 12); it refers to an increase in volume, extent, power, or influence (Ge 7:17, 18; Ps. 49:16; Daniel 12:4). It is used for both animals and inanimate things (Ex. 11:9; Dt. 7:22; 8:13; Ezek. 31:5). It refers to an increase or multiplication of time: days (Gen. 38:12); years (Pr. 4:10). It indicates in a comprehensive sense God's greatness over humans (Job 33:12). In the intensive or causative stems of the verb, it indicates the increasing or enlarging of someone or something: (Jdg. 9:29; Ps. 44:12; Lam. 2:22; Ezek. 19:2). God makes His followers great (2 Sam. 22:36; Ps. 18:35); the leaders of His people (1 Chr. 4:10). He increases in number persons, things (Deut. 17:16; Hos. 2:8). Adverbially (especially harbēh), it means to do something, to perform greatly (Amos 4:4). The phrase harbāh ʾarbeh means I will increase, multiply greatly (Gen. 3:16; 16:10; 22:17). (Complete Word Study Dictionary – OT) The Septuagint (Lxx) translates rabah in Ex 1:7 (Ge 1:22, 28, etc) with the verb plethuno (from plethos = fullness from pletho = to fill) which means to be made full, grow, increase or be multiplied. In fact virtually every command of God to multiply is translated with plethuno. It is the same verb to describe the disciples increasing (Acts 6:1+), the Word of God continuing to spread (Acts 6:7+, Acts 12:24+), the church continuing to increase (Acts 9:31+). Vine - It can refer to the process of increasing numerically: God told the sea and air creatures to "be fruitful, and multiply" (Gen. 1:22, the first occurrence). In Gen. 38:12 the word refers to the end result in the sense that a great many of something existed: "And in process of time the daughter of Shuah, Judah's wife died [literally, "and the days became multiplied"]…." When used with "days," the word may also signify "long life": "… I shall multiply my days as the sand" (Job 29:18: cf. Prov. 4:10). Rābâ sometimes refers to increasing in wealth, although in such cases the material is clearly specified (cf. Deut. 8:13: "… and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied"). This verb can be used of being quantitatively large. In Gen. 7:17 the waters are said to have lifted up above the earth." So here the verb means "to increase in quantity." A similar use occurs in Gen. 15:1, where God tells Abram: "I am … thy exceeding great reward." The first instance speaks of the process of increasing and the latter of the end product (something that is larger). In a special nuance this verb signifies the process of growing up: "Their young ones are in good liking, they grow up [in the open field]" (Job 39:4). Rābâ can also be used of the end product: "I have caused thee to multiply as the bud of the field, and thou hast increased and waxen great, and thou art come to excellent ornaments: thy breasts are fashioned, and thine hair is grown …" (Ezek. 16:7). A somewhat different nuance occurs in Ezek. 19:2, where the verb speaks of a parent's care for an offspring: "… She nourished her whelps." Rābâ is sometimes used with another verb to signify its increase in occurrence or frequency. In some passages it signifies that a process is continuing: "The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work …" (Exod. 36:5), literally, "the people continue to bring." It can also signify a great number of times with the sense of "repeatedly." The sinner is urged to return to God, "for he will abundantly pardon" (Isa. 55:7). This sense appears clearly in Amos 4:4: "Come to Beth-el, and transgress; at Gilgal multiply transgression…." (Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words) Rabah - 207v - abundance(2), abundant(2), abundantly(1), amounts(1), ask(1), became many(1), became...numerous(1), bitterly*(1), boast*(1), considerable(1), continue(1), continued(1), enlarge(1), excessively(2), gave numerous(1), give great(1), give many(1), give more(1), great(10), greater(1), greatly(1), greatly multiply(3), greatly*(1), grew(1), grow(1), grow...numerous(1), had gathered much(1), had many(2), heap(1), increase(14), increased(7), increases(5), large(1), larger(1), lavished(1), long(2), made their numerous(1), made many(1), make many(1), make more(1), makes me great(2), many(21), many which increase(1), more(3), more he made(1), much(15), much more(2), much*(1), multiplied(21), multiplies(5), multiply(45), numerous(3), often(2), outnumber(1), pay more(1), plenty(1), profited(1), provided in abundance(1), reared(2), repeatedly(1), risen(1), serious*(1), surpassed(1), take more(1), thoroughly(1), use much(1), very(2), wealth(1). Gen. 1:22; Gen. 1:28; Gen. 3:16; Gen. 7:17; Gen. 7:18; Gen. 8:17; Gen. 9:1; Gen. 9:7; Gen. 15:1; Gen. 16:10; Gen. 17:2; Gen. 17:20; Gen. 22:17; Gen. 26:4; Gen. 26:24; Gen. 28:3; Gen. 34:12; Gen. 35:11; Gen. 38:12; Gen. 43:34; Gen. 47:27; Gen. 48:4; Exod. 1:7; Exod. 1:10; Exod. 1:12; Exod. 1:20; Exod. 7:3; Exod. 11:9; Exod. 16:17; Exod. 16:18; Exod. 30:15; Exod. 32:13; Exod. 36:5; Lev. 11:42; Lev. 25:16; Lev. 26:9; Num. 26:54; Num. 33:54; Num. 35:8; Deut. 1:10; Deut. 3:5; Deut. 6:3; Deut. 7:13; Deut. 7:22; Deut. 8:1; Deut. 8:13; Deut. 11:21; Deut. 13:17; Deut. 14:24; Deut. 17:16; Deut. 17:17; Deut. 19:6; Deut. 28:63; Deut. 30:5; Deut. 30:16; Jos. 13:1; Jos. 22:8; Jos. 24:3; Jdg. 9:29; Jdg. 16:24; Jdg. 20:38; 1 Sam. 1:12; 1 Sam. 2:3; 1 Sam. 7:2; 1 Sam. 14:30; 1 Sam. 26:21; 2 Sam. 1:4; 2 Sam. 8:8; 2 Sam. 12:2; 2 Sam. 12:30; 2 Sam. 14:11; 2 Sam. 18:8; 2 Sam. 22:36; 1 Ki. 4:29; 1 Ki. 4:30; 1 Ki. 10:10; 1 Ki. 10:11; 2 Ki. 10:18; 2 Ki. 21:6; 2 Ki. 21:16; 1 Chr. 4:10; 1 Chr. 4:27; 1 Chr. 5:9; 1 Chr. 5:23; 1 Chr. 7:4; 1 Chr. 8:40; 1 Chr. 20:2; 1 Chr. 23:11; 1 Chr. 23:17; 1 Chr. 27:23; 2 Chr. 11:12; 2 Chr. 14:13; 2 Chr. 16:8; 2 Chr. 25:9; 2 Chr. 31:5; 2 Chr. 33:6; 2 Chr. 33:23; 2 Chr. 36:14; Ezr. 9:6; Ezr. 10:1; Ezr. 10:13; Neh. 2:2; Neh. 4:1; Neh. 4:10; Neh. 4:19; Neh. 5:18; Neh. 6:17; Neh. 9:23; Neh. 9:37; Job 9:17; Job 10:17; Job 27:14; Job 29:18; Job 33:12; Job 34:37; Job 39:4; Job 41:3; Ps. 16:4; Ps. 18:35; Ps. 44:12; Ps. 49:16; Ps. 51:2; Ps. 71:21; Ps. 78:38; Ps. 107:38; Ps. 130:7; Ps. 139:18; Prov. 4:10; Prov. 6:35; Prov. 9:11; Prov. 13:11; Prov. 22:16; Prov. 25:27; Prov. 28:8; Prov. 28:28; Prov. 29:2; Prov. 29:16; Eccl. 1:16; Eccl. 2:7; Eccl. 5:7; Eccl. 5:11; Eccl. 5:12; Eccl. 5:17; Eccl. 5:20; Eccl. 6:11; Eccl. 7:16; Eccl. 7:17; Eccl. 9:18; Eccl. 10:14; Eccl. 11:8; Eccl. 12:9; Eccl. 12:12; Isa. 1:15; Isa. 9:3; Isa. 23:16; Isa. 30:33; Isa. 40:29; Isa. 51:2; Isa. 55:7; Isa. 57:9; Jer. 2:22; Jer. 3:16; Jer. 23:3; Jer. 29:6; Jer. 30:19; Jer. 33:22; Jer. 40:12; Jer. 42:2; Jer. 46:11; Jer. 46:16; Lam. 2:5; Lam. 2:22; Ezek. 11:6; Ezek. 16:7; Ezek. 16:25; Ezek. 16:26; Ezek. 16:29; Ezek. 16:51; Ezek. 19:2; Ezek. 21:15; Ezek. 22:25; Ezek. 23:19; Ezek. 24:10; Ezek. 28:5; Ezek. 31:5; Ezek. 36:10; Ezek. 36:11; Ezek. 36:29; Ezek. 36:30; Ezek. 36:37; Ezek. 37:26; Dan. 11:39; Dan. 12:4; Hos. 2:8; Hos. 8:11; Hos. 8:14; Hos. 10:1; Hos. 12:1; Hos. 12:10; Amos 4:4; Amos 4:9; Jon. 4:11; Nah. 3:16; Hab. 2:6; Hag. 1:6; Hag. 1:9; Zech. 10:8 And became exceedingly mighty, so that the land was filled with them - Became...mighty is translated in Lxx with the verb katischuo which means to be strong, dominant, having strength or capability to obtain an advantage and thus be able to prevail (Also used in Lxx of Ex 17:11+ = "Israel prevailed" in battle with Amalekites) or overcome (Mt 16:18). The verb became...mighty is used first in Genesis and gives us a good sense of what Moses is saying - "Then Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are too powerful for us.” Clearly the idea is not just increase in numbers but increase in strength or power, attributes which would definitely threaten the Pharaoh and his hold on power! The Psalmist explains how the people of Israel became exceedingly mighty writing "And He caused His people to be very fruitful, And made them stronger than their adversaries." (Ps 105:24). Israel was mighty not because of their inherent strength but because of God's sovereignty and grace. In so doing God was working out His promise that He would bring them out of Egypt and back to the land. Their prosperity would lead to Pharaoh's punishment which would lead them to cry out for a deliverer who would lead them out of the land and back to the Promised Land. It was all part of God's sovereign plan. Mighty (06105)(atsom) is a verb which means to be vast, mighty, numerous. It describes strength (Ge 26:16, Ex 1:7, Isa 31:1, Ps 38:19, Ps 69:4, Ps 105:24) In Jer 5:6 atsom describes Israel's apostasies as "numerous." (cf their sins in Jer 30:14-15) David writes "How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!" (Ps 139:17, cf Ps 40:5). As noted above the Lxx translates atsom in Ex 1:7 with the verb katischuo which means to be strong, dominant, etc. Atsom is a "verb meaning to be numerous, mighty. It describes a person, people, or nation becoming or being powerful, strong. Israel and his family had become strong, numerous (Gen. 26:16); Israel multiplied to become a powerful people in Egypt (Ex 1:7, 20; Ps. 105:24). It refers to the enemies of a righteous person (Ps. 38:19). God's wonders are declared to be too many to number or tell about (Ps. 40:5). The might and strength of horsemen is emphasized (Isa. 31:1). It is used figuratively of the might of a male goat that represents Alexander the Great (Dan. 8:8, 24)." (The Complete Word Study Dictionary – OT) Atsom - 17x - became...mighty(2), gain power(1), made them stronger(1), mighty(2), numerous(6), powerful(2), strong(2), vast(1). - Gen. 26:16; Ex 1:7; Ex 1:20; Ps. 38:19; Ps. 40:5; Ps. 40:12; Ps. 69:4; Ps. 105:24; Ps. 139:17; Isa. 31:1; Jer. 5:6; Jer. 15:8; Jer. 30:14; Jer. 30:15; Dan. 8:8; Dan. 8:24; Dan. 11:23 Robert Neighbour - A MIGHTY NATION AT ITS BEGINNING (Exod. 1:7) The Jewish race has been a race which began under the eye of Jehovah. It grew and developed under His blessing. It has been kept through all the vicissitudes of history in His hand, and it will finally be led out into a marvelous world-wide benefaction by His power. The nation of Israel was composed of twelve tribes. Each tribe was the outgrowth of one of the twelve sons of Jacob. The names of the tribes bear the names of Jacob's sons. These shall yet be united again in Palestine. We remember there was a division in Israel following the death of Solomon. Jeroboam and Rehoboam headed the two divisions. For the first time in history the twelve tribes will be united when Christ returns as their King. It was in the land of Egypt that the children of Jacob's sons began to multiply, and in the day of their Exodus they numbered six hundred thousand men, and much more than a million all told. What great things come from small beginnings! Away back God had said to Abraham, "Get thee out." He promised that from him should come a multitude of people. Abraham begat Isaac. Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob begat the twelve sons, which formed the twelve tribes. Those tribes today number, so far as human reckoning is concerned, more than fifteen million Jews. Robert Neighbour - GOD'S BLESSINGS UPON ISRAEL (Exod. 1:7) Our key text tells us that "the Children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them." Let us look at these words. 1. They were fruitful. This expression had to do more with their numerical increase. Many sons and daughters were added unto them. There is, however, a spiritual message. The Lord wants us to bear fruit. We read, "Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit." God grant that we may not be a vine without any grapes, or a fig tree without any figs. It became true of Israel in her later history that God looked upon His vineyard to see if there was any fruit, and He found none. 2. They increased. As the decades passed the Children of Israel increased. We think of the days of the early Church. The Bible tells us of the small beginning, the twelve whom the Lord called. It also tells us how at Pentecost there were added unto them about three thousand souls. A little later we are told that the number of disciples multiplied greatly. What right do we have to be saved unless we are going to bring others to the Lord Jesus Christ? We are called to increase. 3. They were mighty. They were not only many in number, but they waxed great in influence and power. They filled the land. God grant that we, too, may be filled with the Holy Ghost and power, and that our testimony may grip men. Exodus 1:8 Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. BGT Exodus 1:8 ἀνέστη δὲ βασιλεὺς ἕτερος ἐπ᾽ Αἴγυπτον ὃς οὐκ ᾔδει τὸν Ιωσηφ NET Exodus 1:8 Then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power over Egypt. LXE Exodus 1:8 And there arose up another king over Egypt, who knew not Joseph. NLT Exodus 1:8 Eventually, a new king came to power in Egypt who knew nothing about Joseph or what he had done. KJV Exodus 1:8 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. ESV Exodus 1:8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. NIV Exodus 1:8 Then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt. ASV Exodus 1:8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who knew not Joseph. CSB Exodus 1:8 A new king, who had not known Joseph, came to power in Egypt. NKJ Exodus 1:8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. NRS Exodus 1:8 Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. YLT Exodus 1:8 And there riseth a new king over Egypt, who hath not known Joseph, new king: Ec 2:18,19 9:15 Ac 7:18 Exodus 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries TRANSFER OF POWER TO A BAD KING Their circumstances changed. It was similar to the Coronavirus pandemic of 2020 which affected every life on the planet! Isn't that what happens in our life? The Hebrews did not know God was behind the scenes controlling the scenes He is behind, but He was. We should have the same assurance and confidence in our life, especially when affliction or trials occur and they are not of our own making (i.e., not the disciplining hand of the Lord - Heb 12:5-11). Now a new king arose over Egypt - Regarding the issue of the identity of this king see note above. This passage reminds me of the change of presidential administrations in America, where new administrations often result in many folks losing their comfortable positions. The Sons of Israel were very comfortable, really, too comfortable. And in a similar way, for all of us the danger of being too comfortable can lead to spiritual malaise and a tendency to forget God and our daily need of His grace to make it. Sometimes God has to allow or send affliction or tribulation into our lives to bring us to our knees (or our senses) and remind us of what is really important in life, which is our relationship with Jesus! So, if you are in the "pressure cooker" today, don't try to jump out, but make a conscious choice to not waste this trial either sent or allowed by our sovereign God! Acts 7:18+ Until THERE AROSE ANOTHER (Lxx = heteros - another of another king) KING OVER EGYPT WHO KNEW NOTHING ABOUT JOSEPH. J Ligon Duncan on a new king - This may well indicate the coming of an entirely new dynasty. We don’t know which pharaoh this was, we don’t know when this happened, but we can speculate this. Either the pharaohs who were in control in the days of Joseph were foreign and a new dynasty came in which was indigenous to Egypt and ran them off, or the dynasty under which Joseph ruled was indigenous and a foreign dynasty came in. Either way it would explain why the new dynasty wouldn’t be that interesting in continuing the favors which had been given to the children of Israel because of Joseph. They wanted to start from scratch. They had new concerns and new agendas, and because it’s a new dynasty, there was no desire to perpetuate the favors which had been given to Israel because of Joseph or Joseph’s memory. By the way, isn’t that a reminder that God’s people ought never to put their trust in men and circumstances because those things change. So even there we see a lesson in that story. Who did not know Joseph - The Septuagint (Lxx) uses (ou) indicating absolute negation, so that the new king had absolutely no knowledge of Joseph. The phrase rose over does not imply a peaceful transfer of power for the Hebrew verb arose (qum) combined with the preposition over ('al) often means to rise against and thus could be translated "rose up against Egypt." For example in Dt 19:11 we read "if there is a man who hates his neighbor and lies in wait for him and rises up (qum) against ('al) him and strikes him so that he dies, and he flees to one of these cities... (GOES ON TO DESCRIBE THE CITIES OF REFUGE)." In the description of the curses which would befall Israel is she were disobedient Moses warned "Jehovah shall cause your enemies who rise up (qum) against ('al) you to be defeated before you; they will come out against you one way and will flee before you seven ways.Dt 28:7) It follows that this verb arose over supports the interpretation by most conservative commentators that the king was a foreign king from the Hyksos, and this would also help understand why he would have been completely ignorant of Joseph. John MacArthur agrees with the preceding writing that "This king is either to be identified as one of the Hyksos kings (see Introduction) during a period of political disintegration, or as Pharaoh Amose I (ED: See Ahmose I), founder of what archeologists have designated as the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom period in Egyptian history. It is probably best to take this new king, who did not know Joseph, as a Hyksos ruler. Furthermore, the term "arose" signifies "rose against," which accords well with a foreign seizure of the Egyptian throne. The Hyksos (ca. 1730-1570 b.c.) came from outside Egypt (cf. Acts 7:18+)." (MacArthur Study Bible) In this change of kings, we once again see the providential hand of God, for as Daniel explains “It is He (GOD) Who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding.: (Da 2:21+, 1 Sa 2:7, Pr 8:15-16, Acts 13:22, see also Pr 21:1) J Ligon Duncan - The first thing is this. In verses 8 through 10 God uses second causes. I’ll come back and tell you what a second cause is in a minute. God uses second causes even when they don’t know it. God, of course, is the primary mover. The first cause of all things. But God employs second causes to accomplish His will. Sometimes these second causes are natural forces, such as when he causes the natural forces to accomplish His will of destruction or of blessing. He may cause it to rain, and He may use the normal meteorological laws of nature in order to accomplish that as a second cause for accomplishing His purpose. He may ordain a storm, using it as a second cause to accomplish His purpose as He did in the story of Jonah, who sought to escape Him. And He sent a storm and a whale and people who were confused about what was going on on a ship. All of whom who served as second causes to accomplish His purpose with Jonah. But often God uses people as second causes, even when they don’t know they are being used as instruments of God’s will. And one of the things that strikes us immediately in this passage is that Pharaoh is an instrument of God’s purposes in this passage and throughout this story, even though he doesn’t know it, and he wouldn’t like it if he did. In this passage in verses 8 through 10 we see a new dynasty come to power in Egypt. This dynasty has new concerns, new agendas and a very short memory. And that makes trouble for the children of Israel. Robert Neighbour - THE KING WHO KNEW NOT JOSEPH (Exod. 1:8) 1. Pharaoh knew not what Joseph had done. It was under God and by Joseph's wisdom and skill that Egypt had been greatly enriched through seven years of plenty, and the following seven years of famine. All the people of the earth had come to Joseph for bread. How easy it is to forget the Lord and to imagine that the blessings which He gives through His people were begotten through our own power. There were ten lepers cleansed, but only one returned to give thanks unto God. There are multiplied millions who are recipients of God's graciousness. How many are there who thank Him for what He has done? 2. Pharaoh refused the Lord whom Joseph loved. The gods of Egypt were gods of wood and stone which see not, neither hear, nor know. The God of Joseph was Jehovah, the Lord. The gods of this present age are the gods of human intellect, brain and personality. The gods of accomplishment by human prowess and skill. At this very moment the world is in a turmoil of difficulty. Never has there been such a world-wide S O S call, and yet our own government, and the other governments, are not turning their faces toward the Lord. In the expression, "He knew not Joseph" there lies hidden the whole story of this present-hour depression. Had we known the Lord, obeyed His voice, and sought His will, we would not be in our present plight. Exodus 1:9 He said to his people, "Behold, the people of the sons of Israel are more and mightier than we. BGT Exodus 1:9 εἶπεν δὲ τῷ ἔθνει αὐτοῦ ἰδοὺ τὸ γένος τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ μέγα πλῆθος καὶ ἰσχύει ὑπὲρ ἡμᾶς NET Exodus 1:9 He said to his people, "Look at the Israelite people, more numerous and stronger than we are! LXE Exodus 1:9 And he said to his nation, Behold, the race of the children of Israel is a great multitude, and is stronger than we: NLT Exodus 1:9 He said to his people, "Look, the people of Israel now outnumber us and are stronger than we are. KJV Exodus 1:9 And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we: ESV Exodus 1:9 And he said to his people, "Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. NIV Exodus 1:9 "Look," he said to his people, "the Israelites have become much too numerous for us. ASV Exodus 1:9 And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we: CSB Exodus 1:9 He said to his people, "Look, the Israelite people are more numerous and powerful than we are. NKJ Exodus 1:9 And he said to his people, "Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we; NRS Exodus 1:9 He said to his people, "Look, the Israelite people are more numerous and more powerful than we. YLT Exodus 1:9 and he saith unto his people, 'Lo, the people of the sons of Israel is more numerous and mighty than we; people: Nu 22:4,5 Job 5:2 Ps 105:24,25 Pr 14:28 27:4 Ec 4:4 Tit 3:3 Jas 3:14-16 4:5 Exodus 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries GROWING FEAR OF THE ISRAELITES He said to his people, "Behold, the people of the sons of Israel are more and mightier than we - Notice the phrase the people which in the Septuagint (Lxx) is ethnos the word usually used for nation, thus here would seem to mark the Egyptian king's recognition of sons of Israel as an actual nation. As discussed in the definition of mightier below, this passage is a beginning fulfillment of Genesis 18:18 that "Abraham will surely become a great and mighty nation.(Lxx = same Greek word ethnos)." The word behold (Lxx = idou) is an attention getting word. Israel has gained his attention! This new king now has a sense of immediacy and urgency because of Israel's multiplication and might! They are now perceived as a significant threat to his throne! Behold (02009)(hinneh) is an interjection meaning behold, look. Hinneh generally directs one's mind to what follows. Mightier (06099)(atsum from the verb atsom) is an adjective which means mighty, strong, numerous. Gilbrant writes that "Frequently, ʿātsûm occurs with other adjectives, especially rav/rab (as here in Ex 1:9), which means "much," "many" or "great," and can refer either to a measure of physical strength or to vast numerical quantity. Context decides which translation to choose, but often the most likely definition is difficult to determine since the meanings tend to overlap." The first use in Ge 18:18 was a prophecy by God thath "Abraham will surely become a great and mighty (atsum) nation." Atsûm depicts many of the native peoples of Canaan who were more numerous and powerful than Israel. Yet God enabled Israel to defeat them and settle in their land (Deut. 4:38; 9:1; 11:23; Josh. 23:9). In the future Millennial Kingdom described in Micah 4:1-3+ we read that Messiah "will judge between many peoples and render decisions for mighty (atsum), distant nations. Then they will hammer their swords into plowshares And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation will not lift up sword against nation, And never again will they train for war. Atsum is used in a description of God bringing Israel into the land of Canaan "driving out from before you nations greater and mightier (Heb - atsum; Lxx - ischuros) than you, to bring you in and to give you their land for an inheritance, as it is today." (Dt 4:38+; Dt 11:23 cf "stronger [atsum] in Dt 7:1, "mightier [atsum]" in Dt 9:1, 14) Atsum - 31x in 31v - great(1), large number(1), mightier(6), mighty(14), mighty men(1), mighty ones(1), numerous(1), strong(5), stronger(1). Ge 18:18; Exod. 1:9; Num. 14:12; Num. 22:6; Num. 32:1; Deut. 4:38; Deut. 7:1; Deut. 9:1; Deut. 9:14; Deut. 11:23; Deut. 26:5; Jos. 23:9; Ps. 10:10; Ps. 35:18; Ps. 135:10; Prov. 7:26; Prov. 18:18; Prov. 30:26; Isa. 8:7; Isa. 53:12; Isa. 60:22; Dan. 8:24; Dan. 11:25; Joel 1:6; Joel 2:2; Joel 2:5; Joel 2:11; Amos 5:12; Mic. 4:3; Mic. 4:7; Zech. 8:22 Exodus 1:10 "Come, let us deal wisely with them, or else they will multiply and in the event of war, they will also join themselves to those who hate us, and fight against us and depart from the land." BGT Exodus 1:10 δεῦτε οὖν κατασοφισώμεθα αὐτούς μήποτε πληθυνθῇ καί ἡνίκα ἂν συμβῇ ἡμῖν πόλεμος προστεθήσονται καὶ οὗτοι πρὸς τοὺς ὑπεναντίους καὶ ἐκπολεμήσαντες ἡμᾶς ἐξελεύσονται ἐκ τῆς γῆς NET Exodus 1:10 Come, let's deal wisely with them. Otherwise they will continue to multiply, and if a war breaks out, they will ally themselves with our enemies and fight against us and leave the country." LXE Exodus 1:10 come then, let us deal craftily with them, lest at any time they be increased, and whensoever war shall happen to us, these also shall be added to our enemies, and having prevailed against us in war, they will depart out of the land. NLT Exodus 1:10 We must make a plan to keep them from growing even more. If we don't, and if war breaks out, they will join our enemies and fight against us. Then they will escape from the country. " KJV Exodus 1:10 Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land. ESV Exodus 1:10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land." NIV Exodus 1:10 Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country." ASV Exodus 1:10 come, let us deal wisely with them, lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they also join themselves unto our enemies, and fight against us, and get them up out of the land. CSB Exodus 1:10 Let us deal shrewdly with them; otherwise they will multiply further, and if war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country." NKJ Exodus 1:10 "come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and it happen, in the event of war, that they also join our enemies and fight against us, and so go up out of the land." NRS Exodus 1:10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase and, in the event of war, join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land." YLT Exodus 1:10 give help! let us act wisely concerning it, lest it multiply, and it hath come to pass, when war happeneth, that it hath been joined, even it, unto those hating us, and hath fought against us, and hath gone out up of the land.' Come: Ps 10:2 83:3,4 Pr 1:11 wisely: Nu 22:6 Job 5:13 Ps 105:25 Pr 16:25 21:30 Ac 7:19 23:12 1Co 3:18-20 Jas 3:15-18 Exodus 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries WORLDLY WISDOM OF THE EGYPTIAN KING James describes the king's wisdom as that which "not that which comes down from above (FROM GOD, FROM HEAVEN), but is earthly, natural, demonic (DEVILISH, HELLISH). For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. (James 3:15-16+). Demonic indeed, for Satan's desire has always been to destroy the nation of Israel to prevent the Messiah from coming (he knew Messiah had to come through Israel) and now he seeks to destroy Israel to keep Messiah from returning to keep the covenant promises to the nation of Israel. Come, let us deal wisely with them - Note the phrase "come let us," which is found 3 times in Genesis 11, the first two describing man's attempt to build a tower to Heaven ("Tower of Babel") (Genesis 11:3, 4, = "Come, let us make bricks...Come, let us build for ourselves a city, and a tower whose top will reach into heaven, and let us make for ourselves a name, otherwise we will be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.." Compare two other negative uses - Ge 19:32, Ge 37:27) and the third the Triune God's reaction to their pride and rebellious spirit. It is fascinating that in both Ge 11:3 and Ex 1:11, 14 we see them using bricks to build buildings. This is wisdom according to the world's way. "Remember the builders of Babel had explicitly said, "Come, let us make a name for ourselves." (Ge 11:4) In contrast, in Genesis 12:2+, God had said to Abraham, "I will make a name for you. I will make your name great." Remember what Pharaoh means. It means great house. So the great house says, "Come, let us deal wisely with them."" (Duncan) George Bush on wisely - The wisdom here proposed to be employed was the wisdom of the serpent; but with men of reprobate minds, governed solely by the corrupt spirit of this world, whatever measures tend to promote their own interests and circumvent their opponents, is dignified by the epithet wise, though it be found, when judged by a purer standard, to be in reality nothing less than the very policy of hell. John Hannah notes let us deal wisely (shrewdly - NIV) "imply a policy that would check their increase and exploit their labor potential." (BKC) Deal wisely sounds like a good thing doesn't it. But that is not the case. The ESV is a very good rendering "let us deal shrewdly" where shrewdly in this context means disposed to or marked by artful and cunning practices. The new king knows that he cannot take them on directly because they are more and mightier, so he is forced to deal with them through some sort of craftiness, just like his father (Jn 8:44) did in Genesis 3:1+! And so the Hebrew verb deal wisely (chakam) which is often used in a positive sense in the OT, in Exodus 1:10 is translated in the Septuagint (Lxx) with the verb katasophizomai which means to take advantage of by trickery or cunningly. To victimize subtly often with false arguments. We see a commentary on this in Stephen's sermon in Acts 7 But as the time of the promise was approaching which God had assured to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, 18 until THERE AROSE ANOTHER KING OVER EGYPT WHO KNEW NOTHING ABOUT JOSEPH (QUOTE FROM Ex 1:8). 19 “It was he who took shrewd advantage (katasophizomai) of our race and mistreated our fathers so that they would expose their infants and they would not survive (SUMMARIZING Ex 1:15-21, 22). (Acts 7:17-19+) Deal wisely (02449)(chakam) is a verb meaning to be wise (Pr 23:15), make one wise (Ps 119:98), live wisely. Chakam describes King Solomon as "wiser than all men." (1 Ki 4:31) David says "The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple." (Ps 19:7+) Goldberg explains that "The essential idea of cḥākam represents a manner of thinking and attitude concerning life's experiences; including matters of general interest and basic morality. These concerns relate to prudence in secular affairs, skills in the arts, moral sensitivity, and experience in the ways of the Lord." (TWOT) See in depth discussion of the Hebrew noun for wisdom, chokam. Gilbrant - In the OT, wisdom takes on both a moral aspect as well as a cognitive aspect. The wise person, first of all, has spent a period being trained in the task he is considered to be especially suited for. Those who possess true wisdom are those who follow the precepts of Yahweh's laws (Prov. 23:19; cf. v. 17). Psalm 58:5 refers to the skill of the snake charmer, and the preacher asks if it is worth pouring all of his wisdom and skill into his work and accumulating wealth, since he does not know if his heir will be wise or foolish (Ecc. 2:19). Solomon's wisdom is demonstrated by the number of his proverbs and songs and his extensive study of plant and animal life. People from many nations came to hear him and learn from his great wisdom (1 Ki. 4:31). Wisdom is personified as a woman calling to all who will listen to her. Those who follow her instructions will become wise (Prov. 8:33), and wisdom brings its own rewards (9:12). Such advice stands opposite to the beckoning of immorality and lack of discipline. One can gain wisdom from many sources, including observing nature. Ants, rock badgers, locusts and lizards act with elements of wisdom and skill, which can teach their observers different aspects of wisdom (6:6; 30:24). Associating with wise people and accepting instruction and correction makes one wise (13:20; 19:20). Elihu, the youngest of Job's "comforters," told him that God gives people wisdom and that this is what makes us distinct from the animals (Job 35:11). The Law of the Lord makes people wise (Ps. 19:7). Moses mourned the fact that the people of Israel lacked wisdom and therefore did not understand what would happen to them if they turned from God and his Law (Deut. 32:29).(Complete Biblical Library Hebrew-English Dictionary) Chakam - 26v - acting wisely(1), becomes(1), been...wise(1), deal wisely(1), exceedingly(1), make me wiser(1), makes us wiser(1), making wise(1), skillful(1), teach his wisdom(1), wise(16), wiser(2). Ex 1:10; Dt. 32:29; 1 Ki 4:31; Job 32:9; Job 35:11; Ps. 19:7; Ps. 58:5; Ps. 105:22; Ps. 119:98; Prov. 6:6; Prov. 8:33; Prov. 9:9; Prov. 9:12; Prov. 13:20; Prov. 19:20; Prov. 20:1; Prov. 21:11; Prov. 23:15; Prov. 23:19; Prov. 27:11; Prov. 30:24; Eccl. 2:15; Eccl. 2:19; Eccl. 7:16; Eccl. 7:23; Zech. 9:2 Or else they will multiply - So even here we see his "wisdom" is to somehow limit Israel's numbers. First the king is concerned by their sheer numbers, their population and then with their power and the potential for overthrow of his government. The psalmist gives us a parallel summary of the events described int his section And He (JEHOVAH) called for a famine upon the land (PROVIDENCE, SOVEREIGNTY); He broke the whole staff of bread. 17 He (JEHOVAH) sent a man before them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. 18 They afflicted ('anah = SAME VERB USED TO DESCRIBE ISRAEL'S AFFLICTION IN Ex 1:11) his feet with fetters, He himself was laid in irons; 19 Until the time that his word came to pass, The word of the LORD tested him. 20 The king sent and released him, The ruler of peoples, and set him free. 21 He made him lord of his house And ruler over all his possessions, 22 To imprison his princes at will, That he might teach his elders wisdom. 23 Israel also came into Egypt (cf Exodus 1:1-7); Thus Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham. 24 And He (JEHOVAH) caused His people to be very fruitful (Same verb in Ex 1:7 = parah), And made them stronger (Same verb in Ex 1:7 = atsom), than their adversaries (PROVIDENCE, SOVEREIGNTY). 25 He turned their (EGYPT) heart to hate His people (Read Proverbs 21:1), To deal craftily with His servants (PROVIDENCE, SOVEREIGNTY).(Psalm 105:16-25) And in the event of war, they will also join themselves to those who hate us, and fight against us and depart from the land." - NLT says "If we don't, and if war breaks out, they will join our enemies and fight against us. Then they will escape from the country." It is interesting the king does not want Israel to leave, but only to be under his control and for his benefit (e.g., building storage cities in Ex 1:11). The human king wants to detain Israel, while the the King of Heaven wants to deliver Israel (Ex 3:8). When a king's agenda comes into direct conflict with the agendas of the Almighty God, God always wins! Isaiah quotes the Almighty.... Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’; -- Isaiah 46:10 As J Ligon Duncan explains "Clearly, Moses is setting up for us here, even in this passage, a great contest between Pharaoh and the God of Israel, even though Pharaoh is clueless. But Pharaoh is simply trying to secure his power. Pharaoh is simply trying to make his name great. Pharaoh is simply trying to exalt his nation. Suddenly, however, Pharaoh finds himself in a fight that’s a lot bigger than he ever anticipated. He has his own agendas. He doesn’t know anything about the God of Israel. He doesn’t know anything about Joseph. But suddenly his purposes are directly contradicting the promises and purposes of God. And God’s purposes will rule and overrule whether Pharaoh likes it or not. And in this setting, Pharaoh wants to come up with a plan that will exploit the presence of the Israelites while keeping their numbers and power in check, preventing their departure and keeping them from joining with an enemy."
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Cole - “Shiphrah and Puah are two good Semitic names, of an archaic type….meaning something like ‘beauty’ and ‘splendour’ respectively.” (Ibid) Believer's Study Bible - The recording of specific names is another indication that this is authentic historical material. Some question the historicity of the first chapter of Exodus because two midwives would not have been able to deliver all the children born to the multitude of Israelites. However, this is quickly dismissed in that the text does not specify that there were only two midwives; rather it mentions two by name. The pharaoh of Egypt at this time was probably Amenhotep I (1546-1526 B.C.) or Thutmose I (1526-1512 B.C.). Exodus 1:16 and he said, "When you are helping the Hebrew women to give birth and see them upon the birthstool, if it is a son, then you shall put him to death; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live." BGT Exodus 1:16 καὶ εἶπεν ὅταν μαιοῦσθε τὰς Εβραίας καὶ ὦσιν πρὸς τῷ τίκτειν ἐὰν μὲν ἄρσεν ᾖ ἀποκτείνατε αὐτό ἐὰν δὲ θῆλυ περιποιεῖσθε αὐτό NET Exodus 1:16 "When you assist the Hebrew women in childbirth, observe at the delivery: If it is a son, kill him, but if it is a daughter, she may live." LXE Exodus 1:16 And he said, When ye do the office of midwives to the Hebrew women, and they are about to be delivered, if it be a male, kill it; but if a female, save it. NLT Exodus 1:16 "When you help the Hebrew women as they give birth, watch as they deliver. If the baby is a boy, kill him; if it is a girl, let her live." KJV Exodus 1:16 And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live. ESV Exodus 1:16 "When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live." NIV Exodus 1:16 "When you help the Hebrew women in childbirth and observe them on the delivery stool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live." ASV Exodus 1:16 and he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the birth-stool; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him; but if it be a daughter, then she shall live. CSB Exodus 1:16 "When you help the Hebrew women give birth, observe them as they deliver. If the child is a son, kill him, but if it's a daughter, she may live." NKJ Exodus 1:16 and he said, "When you do the duties of a midwife for the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstools, if it is a son, then you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live." NRS Exodus 1:16 "When you act as midwives to the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, she shall live." YLT Exodus 1:16 and saith, 'When ye cause the Hebrew women to bear, and have looked on the children; if it is a son -- then ye have put him to death; and if it is a daughter -- then she hath lived.' then you shall put him to death: Ex 1:22 Mt 21:38 Rev 12:4 Exodus 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries HEBREW INFANTICIDE Infanticide (or infant homicide) is the intentional killing of infants. And he said, "When you are helping the Hebrew women to give birth and see them upon the birthstool - Birthstool is the word "oben" derived from eben (stone) and means "two stones," where the midwives would place themselves in order to catch the baby. if it is a son, then you shall put him to death; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live - The king is ordering the midwives to murder all the Hebrew males, a request that is clearly contrary to the commands of God. If you kill all the males, it would be the end of the line of the Messiah, so in effect the Seed (Gal 3:16+) would be snuffed out!
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Cole - To execute by drowning was an obvious method in a country such as Egypt and Babylonia, just as death by stoning was obvious in rocky Israel (Josh. 7:25). Whether Israel in general obeyed pharaoh’s edict, we do not know: certainly the parents of Moses braved pharaoh’s anger (Heb. 11:23+).(TOTC-Ex) Hannah - So the oppression against the Israelites deepened, but as God's people were suffering under this subjugation, God prepared a deliverer. (Ibid)