Exodus 1-2

Exodus 1-2

 

A new Pharaoh arose who did not know Joseph (1.8). Thinking about the concept of forgetting something who has died is intriguing me. After so many years, we are forgotten. Others cease to know anything about us. They do not know of our troubles or fruitfulness. This was true in this case: the Pharaoh did not know Joseph! It is a mighty statement! Not only did he not know Joseph, he would not understand why the Israelites came to Egypt or how they became so numerous and fruitful. He would not know of their fear of God or what they believed. All he saw was that they were too numerous and the fear that they would break out in war against the people of Egypt. We see people having fear over God's chosen people time and time again. (See Genesis 26:12-16) Genesis 26:16 and Exodus 1:9 parallel very close: "too mighty for us." While Abimelech sent them away, the Egyptian pharaoh oppressed them! If the Israelites were to leave Egypt instead of becoming slaves, there would be a great loss in Egypt, for the Israelites were highly blessed and worked for the pharaoh.

They were incredibly fruitful. This is one of the reasons why they were afflicted with heavy burdens (Genesis 1.11). The pharaoh placed "taskmasters" over them to afflict them. Genesis 15:13 is an important passage to consider when wanting to understand what it involved. The Lord told Abraham ahead of time the trouble that Israel would face. Genesis 15:13 states: "Then the LORD said to him, "Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and that they will be enslaved and mistreated there." This helps me to understand that the taskmasters were not only there to enforce the labor. Most likely, they were there to beat or harm the Israelites so that they would not stop working regardless of how they felt or their physical condition….. Even though they were severely oppressed, they continued to multiply. The Egyptians were in fear of the Israelites. So to act by their fear, they made the people of Israel their slaves~ to work, make store cities, bricks, and work in the field. But, it was not enough…..

The Pharaoh sought to kill all the men newborns. This pharaoh's fear was not much different than King Herod's, is it? A fear of someone coming in and taking over? (See Matthew 2:16-18) The midwives would not carry out the Pharaoh's hopes. They chose to honor God rather than carry out the sinful desires of those in leadership. So, the pharaoh would give the command to all the people in Egypt to kill the newborn baby boys by casting them in the river…

Despite all the pharaoh's plans to bring down Israel, there would be someone who acted and became someone God chose to use: Moses! Moses would be born, protected, cared for, and given a chance to not become a slave. Instead, he would be viewed as an Egyptian, but was a Hebrew. He identified with the Hebrews as well. He would lead the Israelites out of Egypt in due time.

The people of Israel groaned, and God heard their cry. He saw their oppression. My study Bible shares these words about 2:23-25: "The verses... [give a] reminder that the offspring of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will not be defined by their years of slavery, but by their covenant relationship with the GOD who has heard their cries (and who saw and knew their affliction) and remembered his promises." The same is true for us. I am still God's child. Affliction and problems do not change that. I am still His. Jesus Christ has died on the cross for my sins, so that I can have a RIGHT relationship with my Father! I am His, and He is mine! Affliction... Problems... They do not alter my relationship with God. They can only strengthen my walk with Him!