CHAPTER 1. THE SUFFERINGS OF ISRAEL (EXODUS 1:1). This chapter is the background to what follows and can be analysed thus: a The growth of the children of Israel (Exodus 1:1). b Pharaoh fears that they will multiply and puts them to hard labour (Exodus 1:6). b The children of Israel multiply and... [ Continue Reading ]
THE GROWTH OF THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL (EXODUS 1:1). Note the balanced pattern of the section. a The names of the sons of Israel who came into Egypt (Exodus 1:1 a) b Every man and his household came with Jacob (Exodus 1:1 b). c Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah (Exodus 1:2). d Issachar, Zebulun and Be... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PEOPLE MULTIPLY AND ARE PUT TO HARD LABOUR (EXODUS 1:6). The careful patterning continues: a Joseph dies and all his generation (Exodus 1:6). b The children of Israel are fruitful and multiply (Exodus 1:7). c A new king arises who does not know Joseph (Exodus 1:8). d He calls on his people... [ Continue Reading ]
THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL ARE PUT TO HARD SERVICE (EXODUS 1:13). a The Egyptians make the children of Israel serve with rigour (Exodus 1:13). b They make their lives bitter with hard service (Exodus 1:14 a). b In mortar and brick and all manner of service (Exodus 1:14 b). a In all their service in... [ Continue Reading ]
PHARAOH SEEKS TO DESTROY ISRAEL THROUGH ITS MIDWIVES (EXODUS 1:15). a The king of Egypt calls on the Hebrew midwives who are told at births to slay sons and let the daughters live (Exodus 1:16). b The midwives fear God and do not obey him but save the male children alive (Exodus 1:17). c The kin... [ Continue Reading ]