Exodus 1:9

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

And he said {H559} unto his people {H5971}, Behold, the people {H5971} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} are more {H7227} and mightier {H6099} than we:

but said to his people, "Look, the descendants of Isra'el have become a people too numerous and powerful for us.

โ€œLook,โ€ he said to his people, โ€œthe Israelites have become too numerous and too powerful for us.

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

Commentary

Exodus 1:9 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Israel's sojourn in Egypt. After generations of peaceful coexistence and prosperity under the memory of Joseph, a new Pharaoh ascends the throne who, as mentioned in Exodus 1:8, "knew not Joseph." This verse reveals the new king's immediate concern and the pretext for the coming oppression.

Context

Following the death of Joseph and his generation, the descendants of Jacob (Israel) had multiplied greatly, as promised by God to Abraham (Genesis 12:2, Genesis 15:5). They had settled in the fertile land of Goshen and flourished (Exodus 1:7). This rapid demographic growth of a distinct ethnic group, coupled with their previous favored status and potential loyalty to non-Egyptian powers, stirred fear in the new Egyptian monarchy. The king's declaration to his people highlights this emerging nationalistic and xenophobic sentiment, setting the stage for the dramatic enslavement that follows.

Key Themes

  • Fear and Suspicion: The verse clearly illustrates how fear of "the other" can lead to prejudice and ultimately, oppression. The Pharaoh's statement is not based on any actual threat, but on a perceived potential threat due to the Israelites' numbers. This fear of the Israelite population growth becomes the primary driver of the subsequent events.
  • Demographic Power: The phrase "more and mightier than we" underscores the remarkable growth of the Israelite population. This growth, a fulfillment of God's covenant promises, ironically becomes the cause of their immediate suffering but also demonstrates God's sustained blessing even under adverse conditions.
  • Pretext for Oppression: This perceived numerical superiority and strength becomes the official justification for the harsh measures Pharaoh intends to implement, as detailed in the verses that follow. It's a classic example of a dominant power fabricating a threat to justify subjugation.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV phrase "more and mightier" translates Hebrew words that emphasize both the sheer number (rab - numerous, great) and the inherent strength or power (สฟฤแนฃรปm - mighty, powerful) of the Israelites. It's not just that they were more people; the Pharaoh perceived them as having a significant, potentially overwhelming, collective strength. This combination of numbers and perceived power fueled his anxiety and decision to oppress the Hebrew people.

Practical Application

Exodus 1:9 serves as a timeless reminder of how fear, particularly fear of demographic shifts or cultural differences, can be manipulated by leaders to justify injustice and oppression. It challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards those who are different from us and to resist narratives that demonize or dehumanize any group based on their numbers or perceived power. Furthermore, it highlights God's faithfulness; even when faced with human hostility and plans for destruction, His people continue to multiply and thrive, demonstrating that if God is for us, who can be against us? This verse sets the stage for God's miraculous deliverance of His chosen people from Egyptian bondage.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 105:24 (5 votes)

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

  • Psalms 105:25 (5 votes)

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

  • James 3:14 (4 votes)

    But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

  • James 3:16 (4 votes)

    For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work.

  • Ecclesiastes 4:4 (3 votes)

    ยถ Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This [is] also vanity and vexation of spirit.

  • Numbers 22:4 (2 votes)

    And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all [that are] round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor [was] king of the Moabites at that time.

  • Numbers 22:5 (2 votes)

    He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which [is] by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: