Joseph's Death:

Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, played a pivotal role in the history of the Israelites. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph rose to prominence in Egypt, becoming second in command to Pharaoh. His wisdom and leadership during a time of famine not only saved Egypt but also preserved his own family, who came to dwell in the land of Goshen.

The account of Joseph's death is recorded in Genesis 50:22-26. Joseph lived to be 110 years old, a full life by ancient standards. Before his death, Joseph made the Israelites swear an oath, saying, "God will surely attend to you, and you shall carry my bones up from this place" (Genesis 50:25). This request demonstrated Joseph's unwavering faith in God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land of Canaan. Joseph's death marked the end of an era, but his faith and leadership left a lasting legacy for the Israelites.

The Growth of the Israelites:

Following Joseph's death, the Israelites continued to reside in Egypt. The Book of Exodus begins by recounting the rapid growth of the Israelite population. "But the Israelites were fruitful and increased abundantly; they multiplied and became exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them" (Exodus 1:7). This population explosion fulfilled God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:5).

However, this growth also led to fear and oppression. A new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, perceived the Israelites as a threat. In response, he subjected them to harsh slavery, hoping to curb their numbers and prevent any potential uprising. Despite the oppression, the Israelites continued to thrive, demonstrating God's providential care and the fulfillment of His promises.

The growth of the Israelites in Egypt set the stage for the subsequent events of the Exodus, where God would deliver His people from bondage and lead them to the Promised Land. This period of growth and oppression highlights the faithfulness of God amidst human adversity and the unfolding of His divine plan for His chosen people.