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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 1:8–14. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The land of Egypt here, at length, becomes to Israel a house of bondage, though hitherto it had been a happy shelter and settlement for them. Note, The place of our satisfaction may soon become the place of our affliction, and that may prove the greatest cross to us of which we said, This same shall comfort us. Those may prove our sworn enemies whose parents were our faithful friends; nay, the same persons that loved us may possibly turn to hate us: therefore cease from man, and say not concerning any place on this side heaven, This is my rest for ever. Observe here,
I.The obligations they lay under to Israel upon Joseph's account were forgotten:
There arose a new king, after several successions in Joseph's time, who knew not Joseph, Exo 1:8. All that knew him loved him, and were kind to his relations for his sake; but when he was dead he was soon forgotten, and the remembrance of the good offices he had done was either not retained or not regarded, nor had it any influence upon their councils. Note, the best and the most useful and acceptable services done to men are seldom remembered, so as to be recompensed to those that did them, in the notice taken either of their memory, or of their posterity, after their death, Ecc 9:5, Ecc 9:15. Therefore our great care should be to serve God, and please him, who is not unrighteous, whatever men are, to forget our work and labour of love, Heb 6:10. If we work for men only, our works, at furthest, will die with us; if for God, they will follow us, Rev 14:13. This king of Egypt knew not Joseph; and after him arose one that had the impudence to say, I know not the Lord, Rev 5:2. Note, Those that are unmindful of their other benefactors, it is to be feared, will forget the supreme benefactor, Jo1 4:20.
II.Reasons of state were suggested for their dealing hardly with Israel, Exo 1:9, Exo 1:10.
1.They are represented as more and mightier than the Egyptians; certainly they were not so, but the king of Egypt, when he resolved to oppress them, would have them thought so, and looked on as a formidable body.
2.Hence it is inferred that if care were not taken to keep them under they would become dangerous to the government, and in time of war would side with their enemies and revolt from their allegiance to the crown of Egypt. Note, It has been the policy of persecutors to represent God's Israel as a dangerous people, hurtful to kings and provinces, not fit to be trusted, nay, not fit to be tolerated, that they may have some pretence for the barbarous treatment they design them, Ezr 4:12, etc.; Est 3:8. Observe, The thing they feared was lest they should get them up out of the land, probably having heard them speak of the promise made to their fathers that they should settle in Canaan. Note, The policies of the church's enemies aim to defeat the promises of the church's God, but in vain; God's counsels shall stand.
3.It is therefore proposed that a course be taken to prevent their increase: Come on, let us deal wisely with them, lest they multiply. Note,
(1.)The growth of Israel is the grief of Egypt, and that against which the powers and policies of hell are levelled.
(2.)When men deal wickedly, it is common for them to imagine that they deal wisely; but the folly of sin will, at last, be manifested before all men.
III.The method they took to suppress them, and check their growth, Exo 1:11, Exo 1:13, Exo 1:14.
The Israelites behaved themselves so peaceably and inoffensively that they could not find any occasion of making war upon them, and weakening them by that means: and therefore,
1.They took care to keep them poor, by charging them with heavy taxes, which, some think, is included in the burdens with which they afflicted them.
2.By this means they took an effectual course to make them slaves. The Israelites, it should seem, were much more industrious laborious people than the Egyptians, and therefore Pharaoh took care to find them work, both in building (they built him treasure-cities), and in husbandry, even all manner of service in the field: and this was exacted from them with the utmost rigour and severity. Here are many expressions used, to affect us with the condition of God's people. They had taskmasters set over them, who were directed, not only to burden them, but, as much as might be, to afflict them with their burdens, and contrive how to make them grievous. They not only made them serve, which was sufficient for Pharaoh's profit, but they made them serve with rigour, so that their lives became bitter to them, intending hereby,
(1.)To break their spirits, and rob them of every thing in them that was ingenuous and generous.
(2.)To ruin their health and shorten their days, and so diminish their numbers.
(3.)To discourage them from marrying, since their children would be born to slavery.
(4.)To oblige them to desert the Hebrews, and incorporate themselves with the Egyptians. Thus he hoped to cut off the name of Israel, that it might be no more in remembrance. And it is to be feared that the oppression they were under had this bad effect upon them, that it brought over many of them to join with the Egyptians in their idolatrous worship; for we read (Jos 24:14) that they served other gods in Egypt; and, though it is not mentioned here in this history, yet we find (Eze 20:8) that God had threatened to destroy them for it, even while they were in the land of Egypt: however, they were kept a distinct body, unmingled with the Egyptians, and by their other customs separated from them, which was the Lord's doing, and marvellous.
IV.The wonderful increase of the Israelites, notwithstanding the oppressions they groaned under (Exo 1:12):
The more they afflicted them the more they multiplied, sorely to the grief and vexation of the Egyptians. Note,
1.Times of affliction have often been the church's growing times, Sub pondere crescit - Being pressed, it grows. Christianity spread most when it was persecuted: the blood of the martyrs was the seed of the church.
2.Those that take counsel against the Lord and his Israel do but imagine a vain thing (Psa 2:1), and create so much the greater vexation to themselves: hell and earth cannot diminish those whom Heaven will increase.
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Summary
Exodus 1:12 presents a profound paradox: the more the Egyptians oppressed the Israelites, the more the Israelites miraculously multiplied and flourished. This divine counter-action, a direct fulfillment of God's covenant promises, deeply distressed Pharaoh and his people, intensifying their fear and hostility towards the burgeoning nation of Israel, and setting the stage for God's dramatic intervention.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed early in the Book of Exodus, immediately following the introduction of a new Egyptian king who "knew not Joseph" and his growing apprehension concerning the numerous Israelites residing in Goshen. The preceding verses establish Pharaoh's fear of Israel's numerical strength, leading him to implement a strategy of forced labor, compelling them to build store cities like Pithom and Raamses, as detailed in Exodus 1:11. Verse 12 then serves as the divine response to this human oppression, demonstrating God's sovereign hand at work, thwarting Pharaoh's designs and setting the stage for the subsequent escalation of conflict and, ultimately, the miraculous deliverance of Israel. It underscores the foundational theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite formidable human opposition.
Historical & Cultural Context
Following the period of Joseph, the Hyksos (a foreign people) had ruled Egypt, which might explain the initial tolerance towards the Semitic Israelites. However, by the time of Exodus 1, a new, native Egyptian dynasty had likely expelled the Hyksos and reasserted control, leading to a xenophobic environment. The Egyptians, as a highly organized and powerful empire, relied on forced labor for massive building projects, a common practice in the ancient Near East. The fear of a large, distinct, and potentially rebellious foreign population within their borders was a genuine concern for Pharaoh, especially given Egypt's strategic location and frequent conflicts with neighboring powers. The construction of store cities (Pithom and Raamses) was crucial for military logistics and economic control, highlighting the strategic importance of the forced labor.
Key Themes
Exodus 1:12 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights Divine Sovereignty and Covenant Faithfulness, demonstrating that God's plans for His people cannot be thwarted by human will or power, directly fulfilling the promise made to Abraham to make his descendants a great nation, as seen in Genesis 12:2 and Genesis 46:3. Secondly, it introduces the theme of Paradoxical Growth Through Adversity, where affliction, intended for destruction, becomes the catalyst for greater strength and multiplication. This concept recurs throughout biblical history, illustrating how God often works through seemingly impossible circumstances. Finally, the verse underscores the Futility of Opposing God's Will, as Pharaoh's efforts to diminish Israel only led to his own people's distress and further solidified God's resolve to act on behalf of His covenant people. This initial divine counter-action foreshadows the ultimate confrontation and triumph over Pharaoh's hardened heart, a theme that culminates in the dramatic events of Exodus 14.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root means "to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive." It encompasses ideas of abasing oneself, chastening, dealing harshly with, defiling, exercising, forcing, humbling, hurting, ravishing, or weakening. In this context, it describes the severe, oppressive, and dehumanizing labor and treatment imposed by the Egyptians upon the Israelites, designed to break their spirit and diminish their numbers.
This primitive root signifies "to increase (in whatever respect)." It denotes abundance, being great, growing up, heaping, increasing, or having many. Here, it refers to the exponential and supernatural increase in the Israelite population, defying the oppressive conditions and demonstrating God's direct intervention to fulfill His covenant promises of fruitfulness.
This primitive root means "to be (causatively, make) disgusted or anxious." It conveys a sense of abhorrence, distress, loathing, vexation, or weariness. This word captures the profound psychological and emotional impact on the Egyptians, indicating their deep dread, frustration, and intense fear as they witnessed Israel's uncontrollable growth despite their best efforts to suppress it.
Verse Breakdown
"But the more they afflicted them"
This clause establishes the escalating nature of Egyptian oppression. The phrase "the more" (Hebrew: kên, H3651, often used idiomatically for "the more") emphasizes a direct correlation: as the Egyptians intensified their harsh labor and cruel treatment, their efforts paradoxically led to the opposite of their intended outcome. This highlights the futility of human power when it opposes divine will, setting the stage for God's miraculous intervention.
"the more they multiplied and grew"
This is the core of the paradox and the verse's central message. "Multiplied" (H7235, râbâh) indicates an increase in sheer numbers, while "grew" (H6555, pârats) suggests a vigorous, expansive, and almost uncontrollable breaking forth or spreading out. Despite the severe affliction, the Israelites experienced supernatural demographic growth, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises of fruitfulness and nation-building, directly counteracting Pharaoh's genocidal intentions.
"And they were grieved because of the children of Israel"
This concluding clause reveals the emotional and psychological impact of Israel's growth on the Egyptians. The word "grieved" (H6973, qûwts) conveys a deep sense of dread, loathing, and vexation, far beyond mere annoyance. It signifies their profound distress and fear, stemming from their inability to control or diminish the Israelite population, underscoring their growing apprehension of Israel's divinely enabled proliferation and their own powerlessness in the face of God's sovereign plan.
Literary Devices
Exodus 1:12 is rich in Irony and Paradox. The central theme is the complete inversion of Pharaoh's intentions: his attempts to suppress and diminish the Israelites through affliction resulted in their exponential multiplication and growth. This is a profound example of Divine Irony, where God uses the very means of oppression to accomplish His purposes, turning human evil into an instrument of His sovereign will. The verse also employs Hyperbole in its description of Israel's growth, emphasizing the extraordinary and supernatural nature of their proliferation, which defied natural limits under such harsh conditions. Furthermore, the Egyptians' "grief" represents a form of Poetic Justice, as their malevolent actions against God's people boomerang back to cause them profound distress and fear, highlighting the self-defeating nature of opposing divine decree.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 1:12 is a foundational text for understanding God's unwavering sovereignty and covenant faithfulness. It dramatically illustrates that no human power, however mighty or oppressive, can thwart God's ultimate plan for His people. The divine paradox of growth through affliction underscores a recurring biblical theme: God's power is often most perfectly displayed in human weakness and adversity, transforming intended harm into an instrument for His glory and the flourishing of His kingdom. This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's active presence and protective hand over His chosen people, ensuring the fulfillment of His promises despite the most formidable opposition.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 1:12 offers profound encouragement and a powerful theological lens through which contemporary believers can view their own trials and the challenges faced by the Church. It serves as an enduring reminder that God's promises are immutable, and His divine purposes for His people cannot be thwarted by any earthly power, oppressive circumstance, or hostile environment. Just as the Israelites flourished under duress, so too can believers find strength, resilience, and even spiritual growth amidst affliction. This verse instills deep hope, assuring us that even when human solutions fail and circumstances seem dire, God is actively at work, often turning what the enemy intends for harm into a catalyst for greater good and the expansion of His kingdom. It calls us to trust in God's sovereign hand, knowing that His power is most evident when human weakness is exposed, and His faithfulness is unwavering, even in the crucible of suffering.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God allow the Israelites to suffer if He was multiplying them?
God's allowance of suffering, while mysterious, often serves multiple divine purposes within His sovereign plan. In the context of Exodus 1:12, the suffering refined Israel's identity as a distinct people, deepened their dependence upon God alone for deliverance, and set the stage for His dramatic and undeniable display of power in their miraculous liberation. This period of intense affliction magnified God's glory by demonstrating His ability to preserve and multiply His people against all odds, thereby solidifying their faith and preparing them for their unique role as His covenant nation. Furthermore, it highlighted the ultimate futility of human opposition to God's will, setting a precedent for future generations.
What does the Egyptians' "grief" signify in this verse?
The "grief" (Hebrew: qûwts, H6973) of the Egyptians signifies far more than mere sadness; it conveys a deep sense of dread, loathing, vexation, and profound distress. It reflects their intense frustration and fear stemming from their utter inability to control or diminish the Israelites, despite their most severe oppressive measures. This emotional response underscored their growing apprehension of Israel's divinely enabled proliferation, leading to an escalation of their hostility and the implementation of even more brutal measures, such as the command to kill all male Hebrew infants in Exodus 1:16. It illustrates the psychological toll of witnessing God's people prosper despite persecution.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 1:12 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the ongoing expansion of His Church. Just as ancient Israel multiplied under the oppressive hand of Pharaoh, the early Church, born amidst intense persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities, experienced exponential growth, powerfully demonstrating that the "gates of hell shall not prevail against it," as Jesus Himself declared in Matthew 16:18. Christ Himself, through His crucifixion and resurrection, transformed the ultimate affliction—death—into the ultimate victory, multiplying spiritual life and bringing forth a countless multitude of believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, as envisioned in Revelation 7:9. The "grief" and futility experienced by Pharaoh in his desperate attempts to thwart God's redemptive plan foreshadow the ultimate, inevitable defeat of Satan and all forces of evil who oppose Christ's kingdom. Through Christ, God's people are not merely preserved but are spiritually multiplied, empowered to flourish, and equipped to advance His kingdom, even amidst a hostile world, until the full number of the elect is brought in and Christ returns to establish His eternal reign, as promised in Revelation 11:15.