Exodus 1
Exodus 1
As we dive into the book of Exodus, we find it begins with the word “and,” reminding us that to fully grasp its significance, we must first understand the narrative of Genesis. The Bible is a continuous story, and the opening words echo Genesis 46:8, serving as a milestone that highlights God’s people—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob’s family—growing into a large nation by divine grace.
Reading Exodus as a continuation of God’s story
It’s essential for us to remember that pulling verses out of context can lead to misunderstandings. Reading the Scriptures takes time, and we must engage with the stories within the broader metanarrative of the Bible. In this tale, we will encounter murder, famine, and betrayal, but amid these challenges, God is at work. In Exodus 1:1, we read, “These are the names of the sons of Israel.” The name Israel means “God rules,” a title given to Jacob by God Himself. This lineage is significant as we notice the number “seventy” in verse 5, symbolizing wholeness and completeness. After enduring barrenness, familial conflict, and famine, God has blessed His people abundantly.
Fast forward a few chapters, and we see that 600,000 men, along with their families, crossed the Red Sea. This fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 15 is powerful, especially as we consider the oppressive forces of Egypt that came against God’s people. No matter the challenges, God’s plan prevails, and His people continue to multiply.
However, in Exodus 1:8, we see a troubling shift—things are not going well for God’s people. When we neglect to speak of God’s works, problems arise, as seen in Judges 2:8-10. There’s a crucial pattern in God’s ongoing story: we must continually tell and retell God’s narrative to avoid slipping into idolatry and moral decay. Each generation must pass down the stories of what God has done.
Moses reminds us in Deuteronomy 4:9 to carefully watch ourselves, ensuring we don’t forget what we’ve witnessed. It’s striking how often generations forget God’s deeds, but we must remember that God never forgets. The language in Exodus 1:6-7 reflects the beauty of creation: God’s people were fruitful, multiplied, and became strong. They filled the land, embodying the command from Genesis 1:28 to be fruitful and fill the earth.
John Calvin noted that without Pharaoh’s oppression, God’s people might have preferred to remain in Egypt, thus nullifying God’s promise to Abraham. As we reflect on these themes, several takeaways emerge:
God’s Timing is Perfect: He is never in a hurry; we exist within His timeline.
Hope is Certain: Biblical hope is not mere wishful thinking; it is grounded in God’s promises.
Cycles of Oppression: Just as Sarah mistreated Hagar, God’s people faced mistreatment in Egypt. This parallel serves as a reminder that God sees and hears the cries of His people, just as He did for Hagar.
The battle is between God and evil (not Moses versus Pharaoh)
As we delve deeper into Exodus, we recognize that the conflict is not just between God’s people and Pharaoh, but a cosmic battle between God and the forces of evil. In verses 11-14, attempts to oppress God’s people ultimately fail; instead, they multiply. This reflects a troubling pattern of how political power often seeks to undermine certain groups, a theme that echoes throughout history.
Egypt’s oppression teaches us that every Israelite born into slavery knew no other life; they were bound by a system that was beyond their control. Importantly, the Scriptures do not paint the enslaved people as “innocent.” They faced the consequences of their actions, which the Apostle Paul later mirrors in the New Testament, describing our own slavery to sin. The opening chapters of Exodus lay a foundation for understanding the gospel. God’s goodness shines through, revealing our desperate need for deliverance. The contrast between grace received and grace realized is illustrated in Jesus’ parable of the two debtors in Luke 7:40-50. Do people recognize their need to be saved from slavery to sin?
In the narrative, Pharaoh’s attempts to eradicate Hebrew boys ultimately fail, thanks to courageous midwives like Shiphrah and Puah, who feared God more than Pharaoh. This theme resonates with us today; history shows that God often uses the overlooked to accomplish His purposes.
As we progress through Exodus, we’ll see the profound impact of fear. When we fear people more than God, we miss out on what He can do through us. Israel’s history informs its ethics, and the clash between empire and God’s people is a consistent theme. We recognize that in times of oppression, God’s purpose remains unshaken, ultimately leading us to Moses, the deliverer who foreshadows Christ.
In both biblical accounts and our contemporary world, we see how tyranny can’t suppress the truth of God. Every act of oppression often fuels the spread of faith, as seen in various historical contexts. As we continue our journey through Exodus, let’s remain vigilant, recognizing that God’s story is ongoing, and His promises endure. Together, we can encourage one another to remember and retell His faithfulness, standing firm in the face of adversity and trusting in His divine plan.
