Exodus 1

• Israel is the name God had given to Jacob, son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham (Genesis 32:28).

• Years earlier, Jacob and his family moved to Egypt to escape a severe drought (see Genesis 46:1–7). His son Joseph's wisdom and leadership guaranteed a steady grain supply (see Genesis 41:25–49; Genesis 42:1–2; 45:5–7).

The need for rescue was clearly related to the Israelites' condition. The Egyptians forced the people of Israel to work without mercy (1:13). It was also related to promises God had made to the patriarchs years earlier.

The Lord had promised Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation, living freely in the land of Canaan. At this time, Abraham's descendants were slaves in Egypt under a pharaoh who wanted to destroy them as a people. God would have to rescue them to fulfill his promises.

To learn about the births of Jacob's sons, see Genesis 29:31–30:24 and 35:16–18.

• seventy: The number 75 in the ancient Greek version and the Dead Sea Scrolls might include the five sons of Ephraim and Manasseh (Numbers 26:29, 35).

• His jealous brothers sold Joseph, Jacob’s eleventh son, into Egyptian slavery (Genesis 37:18–28). God did good for his people even though Joseph’s brothers sinned. When Joseph was in Egypt, God used him to save the chosen people during a severe famine. Without Joseph, the famine could have destroyed them (Genesis 42:1–2; 50:19–20).

Jacob’s family stayed in Egypt for a long time as part of God's plan. God told Abraham that his descendants would not receive the land of Canaan for 400 years, until the Canaanites' sins were complete (Genesis 15:13–16).

Even in Egypt, God's promises were working. The descendants of the elderly Abraham and barren Sarah multiplied … exceedingly, just as God had said (Genesis 15:5). This was because God blessed them (Psalm 105:24).

From about 1650 to 1550 BC, Semitic invaders ruled northern Egypt, where the Israelites lived. The Egyptians called these rulers "shepherd kings" or Hyksos. Semitic peoples were ancient groups from the Middle East and North Africa, known for their shared languages (such as Hebrew, Aramaic, or Arabic) and cultural traditions.

Many scholars think these kings supported the Israelites, who might have allied with them. Egypt finally expelled the invaders around 1540 BC. The new rulers of Egypt's 18th Dynasty probably did not trust any remaining Semites, including the Israelites.

The people Pharaoh called our enemies were probably the remaining Hyksos (see study note on 1:8–10).

Archaeologists have identified Pithom and Rameses with the modern cities of Tell el-Maskhutah and Qantir. Ancient remains show people built these cities during the Late Bronze period (1550–1250 BC), when the Israelites were also present.

Even though the Egyptians worked together to oppress them, the Israelites continued to multiply and spread throughout the land. In this way, God was keeping his promise to give Abraham many descendants (Genesis 15:5).

The Egyptians could only get stone for building from the far south of the country. In the north, where the Hebrews lived, they used stone only for the most important state and religious buildings.

They built other structures with mortar and bricks made from durable clay. They mixed in seashells or straw to bind it together. After sun-drying in a mold, these materials were surprisingly strong. This was especially true in Egypt, where there was little rain or humidity.

• Pharaoh is a title for the Egyptian ruler, not a personal name.

• The origin of the word Hebrew is not clear. When Egyptians and Philistines used this word for the Israelites, it may have been an insult. It likely described a low social class that other people considered unimportant or inferior.

• Whatever the number of Hebrew people, there were clearly more than two midwives for the whole nation (see study note on 12:37). Shiphrah and Puah probably represent the entire group.

  The differences between Pharaoh and the midwives were very clear:

  • Pharaoh had great political and military power, but the midwives had none.

  • Pharaoh had high status, but they had little.

  • Pharaoh was a man from the ruling people, and they were enslaved women.

  • Pharaoh was rich, and they were poor.

  • Pharaoh could have easily forced them to obey, but they did not give in.

If the child is a son, kill him; but if it is a daughter, let her live: This command called for killing only the male children. It would not remove the Hebrews as a source of forced labor.

When the girls grew up, they could marry male slaves from other ethnic groups. In this way, the Hebrews would lose their unity as a people. At the same time, Egypt would still keep a large supply of slaves.

The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed: This was because they feared God more than they feared Pharaoh (1:21). Fear of the Lord refers to having reverent awe of him as the almighty Creator and Judge. This is the foundation of true knowledge and wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10).

The Lord is a friend to those who fear him (Psalm 25:14). The midwives understood that the Lord has more power than any human.

Some people may feel concerned that the midwives did not speak openly about their main reason for keeping the baby boys alive.

However, this passage shows an important principle. Complete openness in every situation is not presented as more important than faithful loyalty to God and to his people. The midwives chose to protect life and to remain loyal to the Lord.

He gave them families: For most of history, children have had the worthy goal of growing up to raise a family. God graciously granted the universal wish of these women who served him courageously and faithfully.