Exodus 1:4

KJV

Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

KJV (with Strong's)

Dan {H1835}, and Naphtali {H5321}, Gad {H1410}, and Asher {H836}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Dan, Naftali, Gad and Asher.

Berean Standard Bible

Dan and Naphtali; Gad and Asher.

American Standard Version

Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 1:4 continues the meticulous enumeration of Jacob's sons who journeyed into Egypt, specifically listing Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. This verse is an integral part of the introductory passage of the book of Exodus, serving as a vital bridge from the patriarchal narratives of Genesis to the burgeoning formation of Israel as a distinct nation. It underscores the foundational lineage of the rapidly growing Israelite family, setting the historical and theological stage for their dramatic increase in number and subsequent divine deliverance from bondage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 1 opens by explicitly linking itself to the book of Genesis, recalling the "names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob" [Exodus 1:1](/exodus/1-1 "Exodus 1:1 - The Sons of Israel Enter Egypt"). Verses 2-5 provide a concise but crucial summary of Jacob's family, totaling "seventy souls," who migrated to Egypt. [Exodus 1:4](/exodus/1-4 "Exodus 1:4 - Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher") specifically lists the final four of the twelve sons, following those mentioned in [Exodus 1:2-3](/exodus/1-2-3 "Exodus 1:2-3 - Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin"). This detailed enumeration serves to establish the historical continuity of God's covenant people, emphasizing that the burgeoning nation of Israel is directly descended from the patriarch Jacob (Israel) and his sons, whose entry into Egypt was a pivotal moment in their history, as recounted in [Genesis 46](/genesis/46 "Genesis 46 - Jacob's Family Goes to Egypt"). The listing sets the stage for the dramatic shift from a family unit to a vast multitude, as described in [Exodus 1:7](/exodus/1-7 "Exodus 1:7 - The Israelites Multiply Greatly").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The migration of Jacob's family to Egypt occurred during a severe famine, a common occurrence in the ancient Near East, which often led to migrations in search of sustenance. The narrative in Genesis places this event during the Hyksos period in Egypt (roughly 17th-16th centuries BCE), when Semitic peoples held significant influence, making it plausible for a foreign family like Jacob's to be welcomed and even granted land in Goshen [Genesis 47:6](/genesis/47-6 "Genesis 47:6 - Pharaoh Grants Goshen"). The listing of names reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of meticulously recording genealogies, which were crucial for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and tribal affiliations. Such records were not merely historical but also served to validate claims of lineage and covenant status. The subsequent shift in Egyptian rule, leading to the rise of a "new king, who did not know Joseph" [Exodus 1:8](/exodus/1-8 "Exodus 1:8 - A New King in Egypt"), marks a significant historical turning point, transforming the Israelites from welcomed guests into enslaved laborers.
* **Key Themes:** The listing of Jacob's sons in [Exodus 1:1-5](/exodus/1-1-5 "Exodus 1:1-5 - The Sons of Jacob Enter Egypt") contributes to several overarching themes in Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness to Covenant Promises**. God had promised Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham"), and the detailed enumeration of Jacob's family underscores the initial, albeit humble, fulfillment of this promise. Secondly, it emphasizes **Historical Continuity and Identity**. By explicitly connecting the family of Jacob to the burgeoning nation of Israel, the text establishes an unbroken lineage from the patriarchs to the people who will experience the Exodus, reinforcing their unique identity as God's chosen people. Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **God's Sovereign Control over Growth and Destiny**. The fact that a small group of "seventy souls" could multiply so rapidly, even under oppression, points to God's miraculous hand at work, a theme that becomes central as the narrative progresses towards the miraculous deliverance from Egypt.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dan (Hebrew, _Dân'_):** From the root meaning "to judge." Dan, the fifth son of Jacob, born to Bilhah, Rachel's servant, was named by Rachel, saying, "God has judged my case and has also heard my voice and given me a son" [Genesis 30:6](/genesis/30-6 "Genesis 30:6 - The Birth of Dan"). In Exodus 1:4, Dan represents one of the foundational tribal heads, whose descendants would form a distinct tribe within Israel. His name, signifying "judge," foreshadows the role of leadership and justice that would be integral to the nation's future.
* **Naphtali (Hebrew, _Naphtâlîy'_):** From the root meaning "my wrestling." Naphtali, the sixth son of Jacob, also born to Bilhah, was named by Rachel, saying, "With great wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister, and indeed I have prevailed" [Genesis 30:8](/genesis/30-8 "Genesis 30:8 - The Birth of Naphtali"). The name reflects the intense rivalry between Rachel and Leah for Jacob's affection and the desire for children. In this context, Naphtali signifies another distinct branch of the Israelite family, contributing to the collective strength and identity of the nascent nation.
* **Gad (Hebrew, _Gâd'_):** From a root possibly meaning "fortune" or "troop." Gad, the seventh son of Jacob, born to Zilpah, Leah's servant, was named by Leah, saying, "Good fortune has come!" [Genesis 30:11](/genesis/30-11 "Genesis 30:11 - The Birth of Gad"). The name can also be associated with a "troop" or "raiding party," which perhaps hinted at the future tribal characteristics or military prowess. Here, Gad represents another vital component of the "seventy souls" who entered Egypt, signifying the growing diversity and numerical strength of Jacob's descendants.
* **Asher (Hebrew, _ʼÂshêr'_):** From the root meaning "happy" or "blessed." Asher, the eighth son of Jacob, also born to Zilpah, was named by Leah, saying, "Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed" [Genesis 30:13](/genesis/30-13 "Genesis 30:13 - The Birth of Asher"). The name conveys a sense of blessedness and prosperity. In Exodus 1:4, Asher completes the list of Jacob's sons, symbolizing the full complement of the patriarchal progenitors. His name, "happy," resonates with the divine blessing and multiplication that God bestows upon Jacob's family, setting the stage for their miraculous growth in Egypt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Dan, and Naphtali":** These two names represent sons born to Bilhah, Rachel's servant. Their inclusion here, following the six sons of Leah and the one son of Rachel (Benjamin), maintains the order of birth narratives as presented in Genesis, emphasizing the distinct maternal lineages that contribute to the twelve tribes. Their presence here underscores the comprehensive nature of the enumeration, ensuring all foundational family units are accounted for.
* **"Gad, and Asher":** These two names represent sons born to Zilpah, Leah's servant. Their listing completes the full roster of Jacob's sons (excluding Joseph and Benjamin, who were accounted for differently or implicitly as part of the "seventy"). The meticulous naming of each son reinforces the historical and genealogical precision with which God's people are identified, highlighting that every branch of the family is significant in the divine plan for the formation of a nation. The simple yet complete listing serves to transition the focus from individual patriarchs to the collective entity of "Israel."

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 1:4, though brief, employs several significant literary devices. The primary device is **Enumeration**, as the verse is part of a list of Jacob's sons. This systematic listing serves to establish a clear **Genealogy**, tracing the lineage from the patriarch Jacob to the foundational heads of the twelve tribes. This genealogical emphasis is crucial for establishing the identity and historical continuity of the Israelite people, linking them directly to the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The use of a simple, declarative sentence structure for the names creates a sense of factual record-keeping, reinforcing the historical veracity of the account. Furthermore, the verse contributes to the broader device of **Transition**, smoothly bridging the narrative from the family-centric stories of Genesis to the nation-building events of Exodus. The very act of naming each son, even those born to concubines, underscores the divine inclusivity and the comprehensive nature of God's chosen family, highlighting that all these individuals contribute to the "seventy souls" who enter Egypt, destined to become a great nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The careful enumeration of Jacob's sons in Exodus 1:4, alongside the preceding verses, serves as a powerful theological statement about God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. Each name represents a foundational pillar of the burgeoning nation of Israel, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to the details of His redemptive plan. From a small family, God orchestrates the growth of a people who will become His chosen nation, highlighting His sovereign power to multiply and sustain His people, even in foreign lands and under future oppression. This foundational listing underscores that the Exodus narrative is not a new beginning but a continuation of God's long-standing relationship with the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

* [Genesis 46:8-27](/genesis/46-8-27 "Genesis 46:8-27 - The List of Jacob's Descendants Entering Egypt")
* [Numbers 1:1-46](/numbers/1 "The Census of Israel")
* [Deuteronomy 29:10-13](/deuteronomy/29-10-13 "Deuteronomy 29:10-13 - The Covenant with All Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 1:4, though a simple list of names, carries profound spiritual weight. It reminds us that God's grand redemptive plan often begins with humble, seemingly insignificant beginnings—a family of seventy souls entering a foreign land. Yet, within this list is the seed of a mighty nation, a testament to God's sovereign power to multiply, sustain, and fulfill His promises across generations. For us today, this verse underscores that every individual and every family, no matter how small or seemingly ordinary, has a place in God's overarching narrative. It encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that He remembers His covenant and meticulously works out His purposes, even through challenging circumstances and long periods of waiting. Just as He nurtured Israel from a family to a nation, He continues to build His kingdom, often starting with small acts of obedience and faithfulness, leading to profound and lasting impact.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous listing of names in Exodus 1:4, and the broader context of Exodus 1, reinforce your understanding of God's faithfulness to His promises?**
* **In what ways does this passage encourage you to trust God with the seemingly small or humble beginnings of your own life or ministry?**
* **What does it mean for you personally that God remembers and works through specific lineages and historical details to accomplish His purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why does Exodus 1:4 list only four names?**

Answer: [Exodus 1:4](/exodus/1-4 "Exodus 1:4 - Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher") is part of a continuous enumeration of Jacob's sons that begins in [Exodus 1:2](/exodus/1-2 "Exodus 1:2 - Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin") and continues through [Exodus 1:3](/exodus/1-3 "Exodus 1:3 - Benjamin"). The full list of Jacob's twelve sons, who are the patriarchal founders of the twelve tribes of Israel, is presented across these verses to provide a comprehensive record of the family that entered Egypt. The verse simply completes the list that began in the preceding verses.

**What is the significance of the "seventy souls" mentioned in Exodus 1:5?**

Answer: The "seventy souls" (or seventy persons) refers to the total number of Jacob's direct descendants who migrated with him to Egypt, as explicitly detailed in [Genesis 46:27](/genesis/46-27 "Genesis 46:27 - The Seventy Souls Entering Egypt"). This number is profoundly significant as it represents the small, initial family unit from which God had promised Abraham He would raise a great nation [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham"). It highlights the miraculous and divinely orchestrated growth that follows in Exodus, where this small group multiplies exponentially, underscoring God's power and faithfulness to His covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous listing of Jacob's sons in [Exodus 1:4](/exodus/1-4 "Exodus 1:4 - Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher"), and the subsequent growth of their descendants into a vast nation, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ. While the physical lineage of Israel was crucial for the coming of the Messiah, Christ is the **true "seed" of Abraham** [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed of Abraham is Christ"), the one through whom all the families of the earth are blessed [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's Promise of Blessing Through Abraham"). The miraculous multiplication of physical Israel from a small family in Egypt prefigures the spiritual expansion of God's kingdom through Christ, gathering a new, vast multitude of believers from every nation, tribe, people, and language [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation") into His spiritual family, the Church. In Christ, the promises made to the patriarchs find their ultimate and universal scope, transcending national boundaries to embrace all who believe, fulfilling God's redemptive purpose to its fullest extent [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints").

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.