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 story 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.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. Thanksgiving for God’s Faithfulness
Thank God for His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.
Courage to Stand for Righteousness
Pray for the courage to stand for what is right, even in the face of opposition.
Trust in God’s Sovereignty
Ask for a deeper trust in God’s sovereignty and His plans for our lives.
Protection for the Oppressed
Pray for those who are oppressed and for God’s justice to prevail.

As we study Exodus 1, let us be encouraged by the resilience of God’s people and the unwavering faithfulness of our God. May we be inspired to live courageously and trust in His promises, knowing that He is always at work, even in the most challenging circumstances.

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?