Genesis 15:5
God’s promise to Abraham about his descendants being as numerous as the stars.

Psalm 105:24
God made His people very fruitful and stronger than their foes.

Acts 5:29
Peter and the apostles’ declaration to obey God rather than men, similar to the midwives’ actions.

Romans 8:28
Assurance that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.God’s Promise Fulfilled
Despite the Israelites' oppression, God’s promise to Abraham is being fulfilled as the Israelites multiply and grow exceedingly strong (Exodus 1:7).

Fear and Oppression
Pharaoh’s fear of the Israelites leads to their oppression, illustrating how fear can lead to unjust actions (Exodus 1:9-11).

God’s Sovereignty
The more the Israelites were oppressed, the more they multiplied, showing God’s sovereignty and His ability to bless His people even in adversity (Exodus 1:12).

Courageous Midwives
The Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, feared God and defied Pharaoh’s orders, demonstrating the importance of fearing God above man (Exodus 1:17).

God’s Reward
God blessed the midwives for their faithfulness, giving them families of their own (Exodus 1:20-21).Trust in God’s Promises
Even when circumstances seem dire, trust that God’s promises will be fulfilled.

Stand Against Injustice
Like the midwives, we are called to stand against injustice and fear God above all else.

Recognize God’s Hand
Look for God’s hand at work in your life, even in difficult situations, and trust that He is in control.

Be Courageous
Take courage from the example of the midwives to do what is right, even when it is difficult.1. Jacob (Israel)
The patriarch of the Israelites, Jacob, also known as Israel, is the father of the twelve sons who became the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel. His migration to Egypt with his family sets the stage for the events in Exodus.

2. Reuben
The firstborn son of Jacob and Leah. Reuben is the founder of the tribe of Reuben.

3. Simeon
The second son of Jacob and Leah. He is the progenitor of the tribe of Simeon.

4. Levi
The third son of Jacob and Leah. Levi is the ancestor of the Levites, the priestly tribe.

5. Judah
The fourth son of Jacob and Leah. Judah's lineage is significant as it leads to King David and, according to Christian belief, to Jesus Christ.

6. Dan
The son of Jacob and Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. Dan is the founder of the tribe of Dan.

7. Naphtali
The second son of Jacob and Bilhah. He is the progenitor of the tribe of Naphtali.

8. Gad
The son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. Gad is the founder of the tribe of Gad.

9. Asher
The second son of Jacob and Zilpah. Asher is the progenitor of the tribe of Asher.

10. Issachar
The fifth son of Jacob and Leah. Issachar is the founder of the tribe of Issachar.

11. Zebulun
The sixth son of Jacob and Leah. Zebulun is the progenitor of the tribe of Zebulun.

12. Joseph
The first son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph's account is pivotal in Genesis, and he plays a crucial role in bringing the Israelites to Egypt.

13. Benjamin
The second son of Jacob and Rachel. Benjamin is the founder of the tribe of Benjamin.

14. Pharaoh
The king of Egypt during the time of the Israelites' oppression. His fear of the growing Israelite population leads to their enslavement.1. Egypt
Egypt is the primary setting for the events of Exodus 1. It is where the Israelites have settled and grown in number after Joseph brought his family there during a time of famine. The Hebrew term for Egypt is "Mitzrayim" (מִצְרַיִם), which is often associated with a place of bondage and oppression for the Israelites.

2. Pithom and Rameses
These are the store cities that the Israelites were forced to build for Pharaoh. The construction of these cities is part of the oppressive measures taken by the Egyptians to control the growing population of the Israelites. The names "Pithom" and "Rameses" reflect the Egyptian influence and are indicative of the labor imposed on the Israelites.1. Jacob's Descendants in Egypt
The chapter begins by listing the sons of Israel (Jacob) who came to Egypt with him, each with his family. This includes Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher (Exodus 1:1-4).

2. Joseph's Death and the Growth of the Israelites
Joseph and all his brothers eventually die, but the Israelites are fruitful and multiply greatly, becoming exceedingly numerous and filling the land (Exodus 1:5-7). The Hebrew word for "fruitful" (פָּרָה, parah) emphasizes their rapid growth and prosperity.

3. A New Pharaoh's Oppression
A new king, who did not know Joseph, arises in Egypt. He perceives the Israelites as a threat due to their large numbers and potential to join Egypt's enemies in case of war (Exodus 1:8-10).

4. Enslavement of the Israelites
To control the growing population, the Egyptians enslave the Israelites, subjecting them to harsh labor and building the store cities of Pithom and Rameses (Exodus 1:11-14). The Hebrew word for "oppress" (עָנָה, anah) indicates severe affliction and suffering.

5. The Midwives' Defiance
Pharaoh orders the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill all newborn Hebrew boys. However, the midwives fear God and do not comply, allowing the boys to live (Exodus 1:15-17). Their fear of God (יָרֵא, yare) shows reverence and obedience to divine authority over human commands.

6. God's Blessing on the Midwives
Because the midwives fear God, He blesses them with families of their own. The Israelites continue to multiply and grow even stronger (Exodus 1:18-21).

7. Pharaoh's Command to All His People
In response to the midwives' defiance, Pharaoh commands all his people to throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River, while allowing the girls to live (Exodus 1:22). This decree marks an escalation in Pharaoh's attempt to control the Israelite population.1. The Sons of Israel in Egypt
The chapter begins by listing the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his family. This sets the stage for the narrative of the Israelites' growth in Egypt. The Hebrew names and their meanings are significant, as they reflect the identity and heritage of the tribes of Israel.

2. The Multiplication of the Israelites
The Israelites are described as being fruitful and multiplying greatly, filling the land of Egypt. This fulfills God's promise to Abraham about his descendants becoming a great nation. The Hebrew word "פרו" (paru) emphasizes the rapid increase in their numbers.

3. A New Pharaoh's Oppression
A new king, who did not know Joseph, arises in Egypt. He perceives the Israelites as a threat due to their large numbers and strength. The Hebrew term "קום" (qum) indicates a change in leadership and policy towards the Israelites.

4. Enslavement and Harsh Labor
The Egyptians oppress the Israelites with forced labor, building the store cities of Pithom and Rameses. The Hebrew word "עבד" (avad) is used to describe the harsh servitude imposed on them, highlighting the severity of their oppression.

5. The Midwives' Defiance
Pharaoh commands the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill all newborn Hebrew boys. However, they fear God and disobey the king's orders, allowing the boys to live. The Hebrew word "ירא" (yare) signifies their reverence and fear of God over the king.

6. God's Blessing on the Midwives
Because the midwives fear God, He blesses them with families of their own. This demonstrates God's favor and protection over those who honor Him, as seen in the Hebrew word "עשה" (asah), meaning to make or do, indicating God's active role in blessing them.

7. Pharaoh's Command to All His People
Pharaoh then commands all his people to throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River. This decree marks an escalation in his attempt to control the Israelite population. The Hebrew word "ילד" (yeled) refers to the male children targeted by this edict.1. Oppression of the Israelites
The chapter begins by describing the increasing oppression of the Israelites in Egypt. The new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, perceives the growing number of Israelites as a threat and decides to oppress them with forced labor. This theme highlights the fulfillment of God's earlier prophecy to Abraham about his descendants being enslaved (Genesis 15:13). The Hebrew word for "oppress" (עָנָה, `anah) conveys the idea of affliction and subjugation.

2. God's Blessing and Multiplication
Despite the harsh conditions, the Israelites continue to multiply and grow exceedingly strong. This theme underscores God's faithfulness to His promise to Abraham to make his descendants numerous (Genesis 12:2). The Hebrew word for "multiply" (רָבָה, rabah) emphasizes the supernatural increase of the Israelite population.

3. Fear of the Egyptians
The Egyptians' fear of the Israelites' growing numbers leads to their decision to enslave them. This theme reflects the broader biblical narrative of fear leading to oppression and injustice. The Hebrew word for "fear" (יָרֵא, yare) indicates a deep-seated dread that motivates the Egyptians' harsh actions.

4. Resistance and Civil Disobedience
The Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, defy Pharaoh's orders to kill the male Hebrew infants. This theme highlights the moral courage and faithfulness of individuals who choose to obey God rather than human authority. The Hebrew word for "fear" (יָרֵא, yare) is used again, but this time to describe the midwives' reverence for God, which compels them to preserve life.

5. Divine Providence and Protection
God blesses the midwives for their faithfulness, and the Israelites continue to increase in number. This theme illustrates God's providential care and protection over His people, even in the midst of oppression. The Hebrew word for "deal well" (יָטַב, yatab) signifies God's favorable response to the midwives' actions.

6. The Birth of Moses Foreshadowed
The chapter sets the stage for the birth of Moses, who will become the deliverer of Israel. This theme foreshadows God's plan for redemption and deliverance, which will unfold in the subsequent chapters. The narrative hints at the coming of a savior figure, aligning with the broader biblical theme of deliverance.1. Exodus 1:7 – How could the Israelites have multiplied so rapidly in a relatively short period without any historical or scientific evidence supporting such exponential growth?

2. Exodus 1:11 – Where is the archaeological or historical record for Israelites constructing entire cities such as Pithom and Rameses under forced labor?

3. Exodus 1:15–16 – Why is there no external Egyptian documentation of the Pharaoh’s decree to kill Hebrew male infants, which would have been a major event?

4. Exodus 1:19 – How credible is the claim that midwives could successfully deceive an absolute monarch renowned for strict oversight and harsh penalties?

5. Exodus 1 in general – How do we reconcile the apparent lack of extra-biblical evidence or records that confirm both the massive presence of Hebrews and the oppression described?

1. What parallels can be drawn between the oppression of the Israelites and modern instances of oppression and discrimination?

2. How does the perseverance of the Israelites inspire you in your personal struggles?

3. Discuss the moral dilemma faced by the midwives. What similar situations can occur today, and how should they be handled?

4. How do you see the theme of divine intervention playing out in this chapter?

5. How does the rapid growth of the Israelites despite their circumstances speak to the power of faith?

6. What lessons can be drawn from the actions of the new Pharaoh? How does fear influence decisions?

7. How does this chapter address the issue of power dynamics? How are those dynamics seen in today's world?

8. How can you apply the midwives' fear of God in your life when facing difficult decisions?

9. What does this chapter teach about the consequences of disobedience to earthly authorities for the sake of obeying God?

10. Discuss the role of women in this chapter. How does their contribution affect the narrative?

11. How would you respond to a directive that you know is morally wrong?

12. How did God honor the bravery of the midwives, and what does this say about divine justice?

13. In what ways does the growth of the Israelites despite their oppression symbolize hope?

14. How does the Pharaoh’s command to kill the Hebrew boys reflect his fear and insecurity?

15. What does the chapter suggest about the relationship between hardship and faith?

16. How does the courage of the midwives inspire you to stand for what is right, even against powerful authority?

17. Discuss how faith influenced the actions of Shiphrah and Puah. How does faith influence your decisions?

18. In today’s world, where do you see instances of people flourishing amidst adversity, similar to the Israelites in Egypt?

19. What lessons can contemporary societies learn from the oppressive rule of the Pharaoh?

20. How can we apply the lessons of courage, faith, and resilience from this chapter to our present-day living?