Exodus 1:10

KJV

Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and [so] get them up out of the land.

KJV (with Strong's)

Come on {H3051}, let us deal wisely {H2449} with them; lest they multiply {H7235}, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out {H7122} any war {H4421}, they {H1931} join {H3254} also unto our enemies {H8130}, and fight {H3898} against us, and so get them up {H5927} out of the land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Come, let's use wisdom in dealing with them. Otherwise, they'll continue to multiply; and in the event of war they might ally themselves with our enemies, fight against us and leave the land altogether."

Berean Standard Bible

Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.”

American Standard Version

come, let us deal wisely with them, lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they also join themselves unto our enemies, and fight against us, and get them up out of the land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 1:10 records the new Egyptian pharaoh's cunning proposal to deal with the rapidly multiplying Israelite population. Driven by fear that their exponential growth posed a national security threat, he devises a "wise" but malicious plan to suppress them, fearing they might align with Egypt's enemies during wartime, fight against them, and ultimately depart from the land. This pivotal verse marks the beginning of the intense period of state-sanctioned oppression against God's people, setting the stage for their miraculous deliverance by divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the introduction of a "new king over Egypt, who knew not Joseph" ([Exodus 1:8](/exodus/1-8 "The new pharaoh who did not know Joseph")). The preceding verses detail the rapid and extensive multiplication of Jacob's descendants, fulfilling the covenant promises made to the patriarchs (e.g., [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "God's promise of innumerable descendants to Abraham"), [Genesis 46:3](/genesis/46-3 "God's promise to Jacob to make him a great nation")). Pharaoh's declaration in verse 10 is the direct governmental response to this demographic shift, initiating the oppressive policies that will define the narrative until the Exodus itself. It sets up the fundamental conflict between human schemes and divine sovereignty, which will be a dominant theme throughout the book of Exodus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise identity of this "new king" is debated among scholars, the narrative reflects a historical period when foreign dynasties or newly established native rulers might have been wary of large, distinct ethnic groups within their borders. Egypt was often vulnerable to invasions from the north and east, making the presence of a numerous, unassimilated population in the fertile Goshen region (strategically located near the eastern frontier) a legitimate geopolitical concern from Pharaoh's perspective. The Egyptians, known for their xenophobia and strong sense of national identity, would have viewed the Israelites' distinct culture and rapid growth as a potential fifth column, especially in times of war. This fear, coupled with a desire to maintain control over a valuable labor force, fueled Pharaoh's decision to act.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 1:10 introduces several critical themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine faithfulness amidst human adversity**, as God's promise of multiplication continues despite Pharaoh's opposition. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates how **human fear and insecurity can lead to injustice and oppression**, demonstrating the corrupting influence of power unchecked by moral or divine principles, a theme seen in various forms throughout scripture, such as in [1 Samuel 8](/1_samuel/8 "Israel's request for a king"). Thirdly, the verse sets up the **conflict between human schemes and divine sovereignty**, showing that even the most cunning human plans cannot thwart God's ultimate purposes for His people, foreshadowing God's mighty hand in their deliverance, as later celebrated in [Psalm 105:23-25](/psalm/105-23-25 "Psalm 105:23-25 - God's people multiply in Egypt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **deal wisely (Hebrew, _châkam'_):** From H2449, meaning "to be wise (in mind, word or act); [idiom] exceeding, teach wisdom, be (make self, shew self) wise, deal (never so) wisely, make wiser." In this context, Pharaoh's "wisdom" is not true, godly wisdom but rather a shrewd, cunning, and manipulative intelligence. It is a pragmatic, self-serving wisdom aimed at maintaining power and control, even if it means resorting to injustice and oppression. This contrasts sharply with the wisdom that comes from God, which is pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy ([James 3:17](/james/3-17 "James 3:17 - Wisdom from above")).
* **join (Hebrew, _yâçaph'_):** From H3254, meaning "to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing); add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield." Pharaoh's specific fear is that the Israelites would "add themselves" or "join" forces with Egypt's enemies, thereby augmenting the strength of hostile forces against him. This highlights his perception of them as an unloyal, distinct entity within his realm.
* **get them up (Hebrew, _ʻâlâh'_):** From H5927, meaning "to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative; arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work." This phrase encapsulates Pharaoh's ultimate fear: that the Israelites would not only fight against Egypt but also successfully "ascend" or "depart" from the land, thus escaping his control and depriving Egypt of their labor. This concern ironically foreshadows the very outcome God intends for His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Come on, let us deal wisely with them":** This opening phrase, a call to action, reveals Pharaoh's initiative and the calculated nature of his plan. The term "wisely" (as discussed above) is laden with the connotation of cunning and self-serving shrewdness, indicating a strategic, yet morally bankrupt, approach to a perceived threat.
* **"lest they multiply":** This clause explicitly states the immediate cause of Pharaoh's anxiety—the continued, unchecked growth of the Israelite population. Their demographic success, a sign of God's blessing and faithfulness to His covenant, is seen by Pharaoh as a direct threat to his power and national security.
* **"and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us":** Here, Pharaoh articulates his primary fear: that in the event of an external conflict, the numerous Israelites, whom he views as a foreign and potentially disloyal element, would form an alliance with Egypt's adversaries and turn against their Egyptian overlords. This highlights his deep-seated distrust and xenophobia.
* **"and [so] get them up out of the land":** This final clause reveals Pharaoh's ultimate concern. Beyond merely fighting against Egypt, he fears that the Israelites would leverage such a conflict to achieve their freedom and depart from Egypt. This foreshadows the actual Exodus, demonstrating the profound irony of Pharaoh's "wisdom" inadvertently setting the stage for God's redemptive plan.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 1:10 employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Pharaoh's "wisdom" (Hebrew: _châkam_) is ultimately revealed as folly. His cunning plan to suppress the Israelites and prevent their departure inadvertently sets in motion the very events that lead to their miraculous liberation and the downfall of Egypt, demonstrating that human schemes cannot thwart divine purpose. This verse also functions as powerful **Foreshadowing**, explicitly stating Pharaoh's fear that the Israelites would "get them up out of the land," which is precisely what God intends and eventually accomplishes through the Exodus. The narrative also establishes a clear **Contrast** between Pharaoh's worldly, self-serving wisdom, driven by fear and leading to oppression, and the true, divine wisdom that guides God's sovereign plan for justice and liberation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 1:10 profoundly illustrates how unchecked human fear, particularly when coupled with a desire for absolute power, can become a destructive force leading to systemic injustice and oppression. Pharaoh's "wise" plan, rooted in xenophobia and insecurity, is a stark example of worldly wisdom that prioritizes self-preservation and control over righteousness and compassion. Yet, this verse simultaneously serves as a testament to God's unwavering sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant promises. Despite Pharaoh's cunning and the immense power of the Egyptian empire, God's plan for His people's multiplication and ultimate liberation remains unstoppable. This narrative underscores the futility of human opposition against the divine will, demonstrating that no earthly ruler or scheme can ultimately thwart God's purposes.

* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No wisdom against the Lord")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations")
* [Acts 7:17-19](/acts/7-17-19 "Acts 7:17-19 - Stephen's account of Pharaoh's oppression")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 1:10 offers a timeless and sobering reflection on the dangers of fear-driven leadership and the insidious nature of oppression. Pharaoh's "wisdom" serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that not all shrewdness is righteous, and that policies born of fear often lead to profound injustice against vulnerable populations. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts and societies for similar patterns: where do we, individually or collectively, allow fear of the "other," economic insecurity, or the desire for control to dictate our responses to demographic shifts or perceived threats? True wisdom, unlike Pharaoh's, is characterized by compassion, justice, and an unwavering trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. The narrative provides profound hope, demonstrating that even the most meticulously crafted human schemes cannot ultimately thwart God's purposes for His people, offering assurance and resilience in times of adversity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might fear, rather than faith, influence decisions in my own life or in the communities I belong to?**
* **How does Pharaoh's "wisdom" contrast with the wisdom described in biblical texts like Proverbs or James? What are the practical implications of choosing one over the other?**
* **Where do I see patterns of "us vs. them" or the suppression of a minority group in contemporary society, and how can I advocate for justice in such situations?**
* **How does the ultimate failure of Pharaoh's plan strengthen my trust in God's sovereignty over human plans and circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Does Pharaoh's "wisdom" imply he was truly wise?**

Answer: No, not in a morally or divinely approved sense. While the Hebrew word *ḥakam* (H2449) can denote genuine wisdom, in the context of Exodus 1:10, it carries a strong connotation of shrewdness, craftiness, or cunning, often with malicious intent. Pharaoh's "wisdom" was entirely self-serving, designed to maintain his power and control over the Israelites, leading directly to cruel oppression. This worldly wisdom stands in stark contrast to the true, godly wisdom that promotes justice, righteousness, and compassion, as exemplified in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom"). It was a calculated strategy for political and economic advantage, not a pursuit of truth or the well-being of all people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 1:10, with Pharaoh's cunning attempt to suppress God's people through oppressive measures, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual opposition faced by Christ and His Church throughout history. Just as Pharaoh feared the multiplication and departure of Israel, the forces of sin, death, and the devil continually seek to thwart God's redemptive plan and the expansion of His kingdom. Herod's attempt to kill the infant Jesus ([Matthew 2:13-18](/matthew/2-13-18 "Matthew 2:13-18 - Herod's attempt to kill Jesus")) echoes Pharaoh's decree. Yet, Christ, the ultimate Deliverer, embodies true divine wisdom, which is infinitely superior to any worldly cunning. He did not merely lead a physical exodus but secured a spiritual liberation, freeing His people from the bondage of sin and the fear of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ freeing from fear of death")). His triumph on the cross utterly disarmed the spiritual powers that oppose God's people ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's triumph over spiritual powers")). The ultimate "getting them up out of the land" is not merely a physical departure but the spiritual resurrection and ascension with Christ, granting true freedom to those whom the Son sets free ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son sets you free")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 7:19

The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.

Psalms 83:3

They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.

Psalms 83:4

They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from [being] a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

Proverbs 1:11

If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:

Psalms 10:2

The wicked in [his] pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.

Psalms 105:25

¶ He turned their heart to hate his people, to deal subtilly with his servants.

Proverbs 16:25

¶ There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.