Exodus 1:3

KJV

Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin,

KJV (with Strong's)

Issachar {H3485}, Zebulun {H2074}, and Benjamin {H1144},

Complete Jewish Bible

Yissakhar, Z'vulun, Binyamin,

Berean Standard Bible

Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin;

American Standard Version

Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 1:3 meticulously continues the genealogical record of Jacob's sons who migrated into Egypt, specifically naming Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin. This verse is an integral part of the foundational enumeration that establishes the lineage of the burgeoning nation of Israel, serving as a crucial bridge from the patriarchal narratives of Genesis to the national story of the Exodus, highlighting God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The opening verses of Exodus (1:1-5) serve as a vital literary bridge from the book of Genesis, picking up the narrative thread precisely where Genesis concludes—with the family of Jacob (Israel) settling in Egypt. This genealogical list, detailing the "seventy souls" who entered Egypt, is not merely a historical record but a theological preamble. It meticulously establishes the identity of the people whom God is about to deliver, emphasizing that they are not a random group but the direct descendants of Jacob, the inheritors of the covenant promises. This foundational enumeration sets the stage for the dramatic narrative of Israel's exponential growth, subsequent enslavement, and divine liberation, underscoring the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the patriarchs to the formation of a nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The migration of Jacob's family into Egypt occurred during a severe famine, as recounted in [Genesis 46](/genesis/46 "Genesis 46 - Jacob's Family Goes to Egypt"). In the ancient Near East, lineage and tribal identity were paramount, forming the bedrock of social and political structures. The meticulous listing of Jacob's sons underscores the importance of a complete family unit as the progenitor of a nation. Their entry into Egypt was initially a benevolent act of refuge, but the subsequent rise of a "new king" (Exodus 1:8) who "did not know Joseph" (Exodus 1:8) marked a significant shift, transforming their welcome into oppression. This historical transition from cherished guests to enslaved foreigners highlights the precariousness of their situation and the necessity of divine intervention.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 1:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and the broader Pentateuch. It reinforces the theme of **Covenant Continuity**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to multiply their descendants into a great nation, as seen in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham") and [Genesis 46:3](/genesis/46-3 "Genesis 46:3 - God's Promise to Jacob in Beer-sheba"). The detailed enumeration also highlights **Divine Preservation**, showcasing God's meticulous oversight in safeguarding the specific lineage through which His redemptive plan would unfold, even as they ventured into a foreign land. Furthermore, it lays the **Foundation of Nationhood**, establishing the distinct family unit from which the twelve tribes of Israel would emerge, emphasizing their unique identity as God's chosen people before their dramatic increase and subsequent deliverance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Issachar (Hebrew, _Yissâˢkâr'_):** From a root meaning "he will bring a reward." Issachar was the ninth son of Jacob, born to Leah (Genesis 30:18). His name's meaning, "there is a reward" or "he will bring a reward," is associated with Leah's gratitude for Jacob's union with her, facilitated by mandrakes. In the context of Exodus 1:3, his inclusion signifies the completeness of Jacob's family, each son representing a foundational pillar of the future nation.
* **Zebulun (Hebrew, _Zᵉbûwlûwn'_):** From a root meaning "habitation." Zebulun was the tenth son of Jacob, also born to Leah (Genesis 30:20). Leah named him, saying, "God has endowed me with a good dowry; now my husband will dwell with me." His name signifies dwelling or habitation, reflecting Leah's hope for a settled relationship with Jacob. His presence in this list further emphasizes the full complement of Jacob's direct descendants who entered Egypt, establishing the entire ancestral line.
* **Benjamin (Hebrew, _Binyâmîyn'_):** From "son of (the) right hand." Benjamin was the twelfth and youngest son of Jacob, born to Rachel, and the only one born in Canaan (Genesis 35:18). Rachel named him Ben-Oni ("son of my sorrow") as she died in childbirth, but Jacob renamed him Benjamin ("son of the right hand"), signifying strength, favor, or a position of honor. His inclusion, as the last of Jacob's sons to be born, completes the list of the direct progenitors of the twelve tribes, underscoring the unity and totality of the family that would grow into a nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Issachar,"**: The inclusion of Issachar, Leah's ninth son, is part of the meticulous enumeration of Jacob's twelve sons who formed the foundational family unit entering Egypt. His presence signifies the full representation of Jacob's direct progeny, each son a distinct progenitor of a future tribe, contributing to the "seventy souls" that comprised the nascent nation.
* **"Zebulun,"**: Zebulun, Leah's tenth son, is likewise listed to complete the roster of Jacob's children. His name, meaning "habitation," subtly foreshadows the future dwelling of the Israelites in Egypt and their eventual return to the promised land. In this context, his inclusion reinforces the comprehensive nature of the family group, emphasizing that no part of the covenant lineage was left behind.
* **"and Benjamin,"**: The final name in this verse, Benjamin, Jacob's youngest and only son born to Rachel in Canaan, completes the list of the twelve sons (excluding Joseph, who was already in Egypt, and Levi, whose descendants are counted separately for the 70 souls). His inclusion underscores the unity and completeness of Jacob's family, highlighting God's preservation of the entire lineage that would blossom into the twelve tribes of Israel, ready for His redemptive plan.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 1:3, along with the surrounding verses, prominently employs **Enumeration** and **Genealogy**. The meticulous listing of names serves as a precise **Enumeration**, systematically counting and identifying the individuals who formed the initial core of Israel. This is a form of **Genealogy**, tracing the lineage from Jacob to his direct sons, thereby establishing the historical and familial continuity between the patriarchal narratives of Genesis and the national story of Exodus. The very act of naming each son carries **Emphasis**, underscoring the divine attention to detail and the significance of each individual in God's overarching plan for His chosen people. This deliberate naming reinforces the idea that the people of Israel are not a nameless multitude but a distinct, divinely recognized family unit, each member contributing to the corporate identity of the nascent nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 1:3, by continuing the detailed enumeration of Jacob's sons, powerfully reinforces the theme of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. This seemingly simple list of names is a profound theological statement, demonstrating that the burgeoning population of Israel, soon to be oppressed, was not a random collection of individuals but the direct fulfillment of God's pledge to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to multiply their descendants into a great nation. It highlights God's meticulous care in preserving the specific lineage through which His redemptive plan would unfold, even as His people entered a foreign land and faced severe trials. The continuity of this family line ensures the integrity of the covenant and sets the stage for the dramatic display of divine power and deliverance that follows.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham to Make a Great Nation")
* [Genesis 46:27](/genesis/46-27 "Genesis 46:27 - The Seventy Souls Entering Egypt")
* [Deuteronomy 26:5](/deuteronomy/26-5 "Deuteronomy 26:5 - The Confession of the Wandering Aramean")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 1:3, though seemingly just a list of names, reveals profound truths about God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering commitment to His long-term plans. It reminds us that significant divine movements often originate from humble, seemingly insignificant beginnings, built upon foundational individuals or families. God's faithfulness extends to the smallest details, ensuring His purposes are fulfilled through His chosen instruments, even when the future seems uncertain or the path unclear. This verse encourages us to trust that God is actively at work even in the quiet, foundational stages of our lives or communities, meticulously laying the groundwork for future growth and impact. It assures us that every individual, no matter how seemingly small their role, plays a vital part in God's larger story, and that His promises are steadfast across generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous listing of names in Exodus 1:3 encourage your trust in God's attention to detail in your own life?**
* **In what ways might God be laying foundational groundwork in your life or community today, even if the grand purpose is not yet fully revealed?**
* **How does the continuity of God's covenant promises, as seen in this genealogy, inspire perseverance in times of waiting or difficulty?**

### FAQ

**Why does Exodus begin with a genealogy rather than immediately with the oppression?**

Answer: The genealogy in [Exodus 1:1-5](/exodus/1-1-5 "Exodus 1:1-5 - The Genealogy of Jacob's Family") serves as a crucial bridge from Genesis, establishing the historical and covenantal continuity of God's people. It reminds the reader that the Israelites are not a random group, but the direct descendants of Jacob, to whom God made specific promises. This foundation underscores that the subsequent oppression and deliverance are part of God's ongoing plan for His chosen nation, rather than an isolated event. It emphasizes that God's actions in Exodus are rooted in His prior covenant commitments, highlighting His faithfulness to His word and His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous preservation of the lineage of Jacob's sons, culminating in the formation of the twelve tribes of Israel, is foundational to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, which ultimately points to Christ. This unbroken lineage ensured the specific tribal identity (Judah) from which the Messiah would descend, fulfilling ancient prophecies regarding the King from David's line, as seen in the genealogies of Jesus in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus"). The establishment of Israel as a distinct nation, initiated through these very individuals, foreshadows the spiritual nation of God's people, the Church, gathered from every tribe and tongue ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Multitude from Every Nation")), with Christ as its ultimate head and the fulfillment of all covenant promises made to the patriarchs ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise to Abraham and His Seed")). The careful enumeration in Exodus 1:3 thus subtly points to the divine intentionality behind the lineage that would ultimately bring forth the Savior of the world.

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

Exodus 28:20

And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.

Genesis 35:23

The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun: