Exodus 1:10

Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and [so] get them up out of the land.

Come on {H3051}, let us deal wisely {H2449} with them; lest they multiply {H7235}, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out {H7122} any war {H4421}, they {H1931} join {H3254} also unto our enemies {H8130}, and fight {H3898} against us, and so get them up {H5927} out of the land {H776}.

Come, let's use wisdom in dealing with them. Otherwise, they'll continue to multiply; and in the event of war they might ally themselves with our enemies, fight against us and leave the land altogether."

Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.”

come, let us deal wisely with them, lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they also join themselves unto our enemies, and fight against us, and get them up out of the land.

Commentary

Exodus 1:10 (KJV) marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, revealing the strategic fears of a new Egyptian pharaoh concerning the rapidly growing Israelite population within his land. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic oppression and subsequent deliverance of God's people.

Historical and Cultural Context

Following the time of Joseph, who had saved Egypt from famine, a new dynasty or king ascended to the throne who "knew not Joseph" (Exodus 1:8). The Israelites, descendants of Jacob (also called Israel), had settled in the fertile land of Goshen and had multiplied exponentially, fulfilling God's promise to Jacob that his descendants would become a great nation. This rapid demographic growth, particularly of a distinct ethnic group, began to be perceived as a national security threat by the Egyptian monarchy. Pharaoh's fear was not unfounded from a geopolitical standpoint, as Egypt was often vulnerable to invasion from the north and east, and he worried the Israelites might side with an enemy power.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Fear and Insecurity: Pharaoh's statement reveals a deep-seated fear of the "other" and insecurity over his own power. This fear drives his subsequent oppressive policies.
  • Preemptive Oppression: The phrase "deal wisely with them" is a euphemism for cunning and coercive measures designed to control and suppress the Israelite population. This so-called "wisdom" is rooted in suspicion and leads to injustice.
  • Demographic Anxiety: The verse highlights how the sheer number and potential unity of the Israelites were seen as a direct threat to Egyptian stability and sovereignty.
  • Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Schemes: Despite Pharaoh's shrewd plans to prevent the Israelites from leaving or growing stronger, God's ultimate plan for His people's liberation and return to the Promised Land would prevail, as seen in the subsequent chapters of Exodus.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "deal wisely" is havah nitḥakmâ lô (הָבָה נִתְחַכְּמָה לוֹ). While ḥakam generally means "to be wise," in this context, it carries a connotation of shrewdness, craftiness, or even cunning, often with malicious intent. It's a "wisdom" that serves selfish interests and leads to harmful actions, rather than true, godly wisdom. Pharaoh's "wisdom" is contrasted with the true wisdom of God, who ultimately led Israel out of Egypt.

Related Scriptures

This verse directly precedes the implementation of forced labor and severe oppression on the Israelites, detailed in Exodus 1:11-14. Pharaoh's fear also foreshadows his later stubbornness and resistance to God's commands, which eventually led to the plagues upon Egypt and the ultimate deliverance of Israel.

Practical Application

Exodus 1:10 serves as a powerful reminder of how fear, especially fear of the unknown or the "other," can lead to prejudice, discriminatory policies, and oppression. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for similar fears and to recognize that true wisdom, unlike Pharaoh's cunning, is rooted in justice, compassion, and trust in God's sovereign plan. Despite human schemes, God's purposes for His people cannot be thwarted, offering hope and assurance even in times of adversity.

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

Cross-References

  • Acts 7:19 (6 votes)

    The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.

  • Psalms 83:3 (4 votes)

    They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.

  • Psalms 83:4 (4 votes)

    They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from [being] a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

  • Proverbs 1:11 (4 votes)

    If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:

  • Psalms 10:2 (3 votes)

    The wicked in [his] pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.

  • Psalms 105:25 (3 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 16:25 (2 votes)

    ¶ There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.