Exodus Chapter 1 Bible Study: Oppression, Survival, and God’s Hidden Plan

Israel’s Growth and the Rise of a New Pharaoh

Exodus 1 opens by recalling the names of Jacob’s sons who entered Egypt (vv. 1-5), connecting this book to Genesis. The Israelites, once just 70 people (Genesis 46:27), multiplied exceedingly (v. 7), fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:5). However, a new Pharaoh arises who did not know Joseph (v. 8), signaling a shift in Egypt’s attitude toward the Hebrews.

Why Did Pharaoh Fear the Israelites?

  • Demographic Threat: Their rapid growth made Egypt’s rulers nervous (v. 9-10).
  • Potential Alliance with Enemies: Pharaoh feared they might join Egypt’s foes in war.
  • Loss of Control: A large foreign population could destabilize his power.

This reflects a common human response to perceived threats—oppression instead of wisdom (Proverbs 29:2).

The Brutal Oppression of the Israelites

Pharaoh implements three escalating strategies to suppress Israel:

  1. Forced Labor (v. 11-14)
  • The Hebrews build supply cities (Pithom and Raamses) under harsh conditions.
  • Yet, the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied (v. 12), showing God’s blessing even in suffering (Acts 7:17-19).
  1. Command to the Midwives: Kill Hebrew Boys (v. 15-16)
  • Pharaoh orders Shiphrah and Puah, Hebrew midwives, to kill male babies at birth.
  • This foreshadows later attempts to destroy God’s deliverers (Matthew 2:16).
  1. Deception and Defiance of the Midwives (v. 17-21)
  • The midwives feared God more than Pharaoh (v. 17) and let the boys live.
  • When questioned, they cleverly reply, “Hebrew women are vigorous and give birth before the midwife arrives” (v. 19).
  • God blesses the midwives for their courage (v. 20-21), showing His approval of civil disobedience when human law contradicts divine law (Acts 5:29).

Pharaoh’s Final Solution: Drown the Hebrew Boys (v. 22)

When the midwives’ defiance preserves Israel’s children, Pharaoh commands all Egyptians to throw Hebrew baby boys into the Nile. This sets the stage for Moses’ birth and rescue in Exodus 2.

Theological Significance

  • God’s Providence in Oppression: Even in suffering, God is preparing deliverance (Romans 8:28).
  • Faith Over Fear: The midwives’ bravery contrasts with Pharaoh’s paranoia (Proverbs 29:25).
  • Foreshadowing of Greater Salvation: Just as a Hebrew child (Moses) is saved from death, so Jesus would later escape Herod’s massacre (Matthew 2:13-15).

Practical Lessons for Today

✔ When leaders act unjustly, God still has a plan.
✔ Courageous faith can defy evil systems.
✔ God’s promises prevail, even under oppression.

Exodus 1 reminds us that God’s people may suffer, but His purposes cannot be stopped. The stage is now set for the rise of a deliverer—Moses—and the great redemption story of the Exodus.