Topical Bible: Egypt: Israel in Israel Increases and are Oppressed

◄ Egypt: Israel in Israel Increases and are Oppressed ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Historical Context

The narrative of Israel's sojourn in Egypt is a pivotal episode in biblical history, marking the transition from the patriarchal period to the emergence of Israel as a distinct nation. This period begins with the migration of Jacob and his family to Egypt during a severe famine, as recorded in Genesis 46. Joseph, one of Jacob's sons, had risen to a position of power in Egypt, serving as Pharaoh's vizier. His influence facilitated the settlement of the Israelites in the land of Goshen, a fertile region ideal for their pastoral lifestyle.

Population Growth and Prosperity

The Israelites thrived in Egypt, experiencing significant population growth. Exodus 1:7 states, "But the Israelites were fruitful and increased abundantly; they multiplied and became exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them." This demographic expansion fulfilled God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5).

Change in Egyptian Leadership

A turning point occurred with the rise of a new Pharaoh who did not know Joseph (Exodus 1:8). This Pharaoh perceived the burgeoning Israelite population as a potential threat to national security. His fear was that, in the event of war, the Israelites might ally with Egypt's enemies. This shift in leadership and policy marked the beginning of Israel's oppression.

Oppression and Enslavement

To curb their growth and mitigate the perceived threat, Pharaoh subjected the Israelites to harsh labor. Exodus 1:11 records, "So they appointed taskmasters over them to oppress them with forced labor. And they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh." Despite the oppression, the Israelites continued to multiply, which further alarmed the Egyptians.

Pharaoh's oppressive measures escalated, culminating in a decree to kill all newborn Hebrew boys (Exodus 1:22). This act of infanticide was intended to weaken the Israelites and control their population. However, the Hebrew midwives, fearing God, defied Pharaoh's orders, allowing many male infants to survive (Exodus 1:17).

Theological Significance

The oppression of the Israelites in Egypt is a profound demonstration of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Despite the Egyptians' attempts to suppress them, the Israelites continued to grow, underscoring the divine promise of multiplication and blessing. This period of suffering set the stage for God's redemptive intervention through Moses, leading to the Exodus, a foundational event in Israel's history and identity.

Legacy and Reflection

The experience of Israel in Egypt serves as a powerful reminder of God's providence and the resilience of His people under persecution. It highlights the themes of deliverance and covenant faithfulness that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. The account of Israel's oppression and eventual liberation is a testament to the enduring hope and trust in God's promises, even in the face of adversity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 1:1-14
Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sin: Its Spring-Head, Stream, and Sea
... It starts with a thought; it increases to a resolve, a word, an act; it gathers ... wisdom
and love to make sin as much a bondage to us as Egypt was to Israel. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/sin its spring-head stream and.htm

On the Opposing Powers.
... The devil, Satan, stood up against Israel, and provoked ... that the dragon dwells in
the rivers of Egypt? ... begins to grow as the passion increases, and finally the ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter ii on the opposing powers.htm

Book v. Our Reply, in the Previous Books, to the Mad and ...
... He increases Ishmael into a great people, and promises that ... wrestling thou wast Jacob;
thou art Israel now, through ... For when he left Egypt through fear of the ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book v our reply in.htm

"The Time of Trouble. "
... The wrath of Satan increases as his time grows short, and ... The plagues upon Egypt
when God was about to deliver Israel ... If He be the King of Israel, let Him now ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /39 the time of trouble.htm

The Time of Trouble
... The wrath of Satan increases as his time grows short, and ... The plagues upon Egypt
when God was about to deliver Israel ... If He be the King of Israel, let Him now ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 39 the time of.htm

On the Sunday Called "Episozomenes," to those who had Come to ...
... put down, that it still flourishes and increases; and they ... that God Himself said,
"I found Israel as a ... from him, by sending messengers into Egypt, that they ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xix on the sunday.htm

On his Father'S Silence, Because of the Plague of Hail.
... it sweeps away the earth, and increases the proportion ... of God's action, may chastise
Egypt with disease ... One of the prophets, speaking of Israel, whose heart was ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xvi on his fathers.htm

The Abrogation of the Saybrook Platform
... Israel, after they came out of Egypt, was a ... same year, 1762, the Separatist Israel
Holly published ... is so fully settled, as population increases, the surplusage ...
/.../chapter xi the abrogation of.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall ... to the Son, "Thou art my
servant, O Israel, in whom ... he came to heal them "that were oppressed of the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... fanaticism, and tyranny, which has so long oppressed them; there ... and another, as
the captivity of Israel did seem ... with the ponds and pools of Egypt, they will ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm