The Enslavement refers primarily to the period of bondage experienced by the Israelites in Egypt, as described in the Old Testament. This significant event in biblical history is foundational to the narrative of the Exodus and the subsequent formation of Israel as a nation under God's covenant.

Historical Context

The Enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt is traditionally dated to the second millennium BC, during the time of the New Kingdom of Egypt. The Israelites, descendants of Jacob, initially settled in Egypt during a time of famine, as recounted in Genesis. Joseph, one of Jacob's sons, had risen to a position of power in Egypt, which initially provided a favorable environment for his family. However, as time passed, a new Pharaoh arose "who did not know Joseph" (Exodus 1:8), leading to the subjugation of the Israelites.

Biblical Account

The Book of Exodus provides the primary biblical account of the Enslavement. The Israelites, having grown numerous, were perceived as a threat by the Egyptians. In response, Pharaoh subjected them to harsh labor, building cities such as Pithom and Rameses (Exodus 1:11). Despite the oppression, the Israelite population continued to grow, prompting Pharaoh to order the killing of all newborn Hebrew boys (Exodus 1:22).

The Enslavement is marked by the Israelites' suffering and their cries for deliverance. Exodus 2:23-25 states, "The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."

Theological Significance

The Enslavement is a pivotal event in the biblical narrative, illustrating themes of suffering, divine justice, and redemption. It sets the stage for God's intervention through Moses, whom He calls to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The Enslavement underscores the faithfulness of God to His covenant promises, as He hears the cries of His people and acts to deliver them.

Theologically, the Enslavement and subsequent Exodus are seen as a foreshadowing of spiritual deliverance. Just as God liberated the Israelites from physical bondage, so too does He offer liberation from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ. This typology is echoed in the New Testament, where the Exodus is often referenced as a symbol of salvation and redemption.

Cultural and Religious Impact

The Enslavement and Exodus have had a profound impact on Jewish identity and religious practice. The Passover, instituted during the final plague in Egypt, commemorates God's deliverance of the Israelites and is a central observance in Judaism. The narrative of the Enslavement and Exodus is also foundational to Christian theology, symbolizing God's power to save and His faithfulness to His promises.

Throughout history, the account of the Enslavement has inspired countless individuals and movements seeking freedom and justice. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to bring about liberation and transformation in the lives of His people.The Enslavement

1. The Date. The exact period at which the Hebrews became slaves In Egypt cannot be determined with any degree of accuracy; however, we Know that it was after the death of Joseph (Exodus 1:5-14).
   1. The death of Joseph was two hundred eighty-six years after Abram's entrance into Canaan. (25 + 60 + 91 + 110 = 286) (Genesis 12:4,5; Genesis 21:5; Genesis 25:26; Genesis 41:46,53,54; Genesis 45:4-6; Genesis 47:9; Genesis 50:26).
   2. Subtracting this from the entire time of the "sojourn" (Exodus 12:40,41; Galatians 3:17), we have the result one hundred forty-four years. (430-286 = 144).

   It is probable that these figures represented more than the actual time of their servitude.

2. Its Bitterness. Their servitude was unparalleled for bitterness And exaction (Exodus 1:9-14). In addition to hard and unrequited labor, the heartless ruler published an edict that all of the male children Should be destroyed at birth, and inaugurated vigorous methods to carry It out (Exodus 1:15-22).
3. Birth of Moses. He was born a slave sixty-four years after the Death of Joseph (Genesis 12:4,5; Genesis 21:5; Genesis 25:26; Genesis 41:46,53,54; Genesis 45:4-6; Genesis 47:9; Genesis 50:36 Exodus 7:7; Exodus 12:40,41; Galatians 3:17). His mother concealed him for a time from the cruel emissaries of the king. Finally she placed him in an ark of Bulrushes by the river's brink, and he was discovered, adopted, and Educated by the daughter of Pharaoh (Exodus 2:1-10; Acts 7:17-22).

1397. douleia -- slavery
... Definition: slavery, bondage. Cognate: 1397 (a feminine noun) -- bondage,
a brand of slavery (enslavement). See 1401 (). Word Origin ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1397.htm - 6k

1402. douloo -- to enslave, bring under subjection
... In contrast to the other verb-form of the same root (1398 ), 1402 () stresses the
(effects) of enslavement. That is, what automatically goes with . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1402.htm - 7k

Sin is Spiritual Slavery
... the slave of sin," we should believe and know, that these words are not extravagant,
and contain no subtrahend,"that they indicate a self-enslavement of the ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/sin is spiritual slavery.htm

The Age of Absolutism and Unbelief
... urged the bishops to assert their independence against the Holy See, and the bishops,
forgetful of the fact that freedom from Rome meant enslavement by the ...
/.../chapter vii the age of.htm

Theological Studies. Religious Life.
... of Gallicanism and Jansenism with the consequent waste of energy to which these
controversies led, the state of lethargy produced by the enslavement of the ...
/.../chapter x theological studies religious.htm

Entangled in the Land
... former bondage; but the point I am to speak of is this"the great tyrant has not
forgotten you, and he designs in his heart your capture and re-enslavement. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/entangled in the land.htm

At Masaarah
... The glamour that had made the quarries sufferable had passed; all the realization
of her enslavement, with the accompanying shame, came to her, and her hope ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xviii at masaarah.htm

Chapter xxxvii
... history. Step for step God's providence watched over the chosen race as
it was about to go into the depths of national enslavement. ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvii.htm

His Murdered Father's Head
... shouldered, good at the bow, obstinate and proud, hiding under a barely human form
the ferocity of a wild beast.' Their wars were mere enslavement, lust, and ...
/.../chapter xxxvi his murdered fathers.htm

Preface.
... 14 on Thought of God and earnest prayer. 15 on sin-enslavement and on untimely laughter.
16 on dwelling in Heaven. 17 on worthily receiving Holy Communion. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/preface 2.htm

The Pleading Note in Prayer
... Is your inward enslavement to sin something you have never seen or heard equalled
in Holy Scripture, or anywhere else? Is that, indeed, so? ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/xviii the pleading note in.htm

The Song of the Redeemed
... 15) . He becomes the Lord's freedman. For he is not only delivered from
guilt and thrall [enslavement]; he is redeemed to God. He ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xlviii the song of.htm

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