Exodus 1:12

But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.

But the more they afflicted {H6031} them, the more {H3651} they multiplied {H7235} and grew {H6555}. And they were grieved {H6973} because {H6440} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

But the more the Egyptians oppressed them, the more they multiplied and expanded, until the Egyptians came to dread the people of Isra'el

But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and flourished; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites.

But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.

Commentary

Exodus 1:12 vividly illustrates the paradoxical nature of God's providence amidst severe oppression. Despite the Egyptians' efforts to suppress and diminish the Israelite population through harsh labor and affliction, the inverse occurred: the children of Israel not only endured but thrived, growing numerically stronger. This unexpected resilience deeply troubled Pharaoh and his people, intensifying their fear and vexation towards the Israelites.

Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of a new Egyptian dynasty, which "knew not Joseph" (Exodus 1:8). Fearing the growing numbers and potential power of the Israelites, who had settled and multiplied in Goshen, Pharaoh initiated a systematic plan of oppression. His aim was to curb their growth and prevent them from siding with any potential enemies. The preceding verses detail the imposition of taskmasters and the forcing of the Israelites into rigorous labor, building cities like Pithom and Raamses (Exodus 1:11). Verse 12 reveals the stunning failure of this oppressive strategy.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness: The core message is God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. Despite human opposition and severe affliction, God ensured the fulfillment of His promise to make Abraham's descendants a great nation, even multiplying them under duress. This demonstrates that no human power can thwart God's ultimate plan.
  • Resilience of God's People: The verse highlights the supernatural resilience and blessing upon the Israelites. The more they were afflicted, the more they "multiplied and grew," demonstrating a divine protection and an ability to flourish even in hostile environments. This foreshadows their eventual deliverance.
  • Futility of Opposing God's Plan: Pharaoh's attempts to control and diminish the Israelites backfired entirely. His efforts only led to their greater proliferation, causing him and his people intense "grief" or distress. This illustrates the ultimate futility of human endeavors that stand in opposition to God's will.
  • Seed of Persecution: The Egyptians' "grief" and vexation reveal the psychological impact of seeing God's people prosper despite persecution. This frustration often leads to intensified oppression, as seen in the subsequent verses where Pharaoh orders the killing of male Hebrew infants (Exodus 1:16).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used here are significant. "Multiplied" comes from the root rabah (ืจึธื‘ึธื”), meaning to become numerous or abundant. "Grew" is from parats (ืคึธึผืจึทืฅ), which means to break forth, spread, or burst out, suggesting a vigorous, almost uncontrollable expansion. The term "grieved" (ืงื•ึผืฅ - quts) implies a deep sense of dread, loathing, or vexation, indicating the profound distress and fear the Egyptians felt as they witnessed the Israelites' unstoppable growth.

Practical Application

Exodus 1:12 offers profound encouragement for believers facing adversity today. It reminds us that:

  • God's Promises Endure: Even when circumstances seem dire or oppressive, God remains faithful to His word. His plans for His people cannot be thwarted by human efforts.
  • Strength in Adversity: Periods of trial and persecution can, paradoxically, lead to spiritual growth and strengthening. What the enemy intends for harm, God can use for good and for the expansion of His kingdom, just as He did for the children of Israel in Egypt.
  • Hope in the Midst of Struggle: This verse is a powerful testament to divine providence. It assures us that even when we feel afflicted, God is at work, and His power is often most evident when human solutions fail. We can find hope knowing that God is sovereign over all circumstances.
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Cross-References

  • Psalms 105:24 (11 votes)

    And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies.

  • Exodus 1:9 (6 votes)

    And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel [are] more and mightier than we:

  • Romans 8:28 (4 votes)

    And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

  • Acts 4:2 (3 votes)

    Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

  • Acts 4:4 (3 votes)

    Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

  • John 12:19 (3 votes)

    The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

  • Acts 5:28 (2 votes)

    Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.