GOD BLESSED THE PEOPLE TO INCREASE
Keywords 1:20
So God was kind to the
midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous.
1. Pharaoh feared the Israelites increasing (1-14)
Seventy immigrant
descendants of Jacob became exceedingly numerous, increasing for hundreds of
years. They lived separately, but at peace with Egypt, until a new king
appeared. He no longer saw Joseph as a national hero, but rather began to fear
how fast the Hebrews multiplied. He used his political power to enact systemic
policies of abuse against God’s people, enslaving them as laborers. The lives
of God’s people became bitter and harsh under ruthless masters. Yet the more
they were oppressed, the more they multiplied.
2. Midwives feared
God (15-22)
How was it possible
for them to keep increasing? One reason was two midwives who defied the
Pharaoh’s order to kill baby boys. They did this because they feared God more
than people (Pr 29:25), and God blessed them with families of their own. This
story shows God was with his people, faithfully fulfilling his promise to
Abraham (Ge 22:17). But fear of people drove Pharaoh to genocide: throw all the
baby boys into the Nile.
Prayer Father, you were with
your people and caused them to increase even in hardship and oppression. Help
me to fear you as the midwives, and be blessed and a blessing to your people.
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