11 Now these are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob ; they came each one [1]with his household : 2 Reuben , Simeon , Levi and Judah ; 3 Issachar , Zebulun and Benjamin ; 4 Dan and Naphtali , Gad and Asher . 5 All the [2]persons who came from the loins of Jacob were seventy [3]in number , but Joseph was already in Egypt . 6 Joseph died , and all his brothers and all that generation . 7 But the sons of Israel were fruitful and [4]increased greatly , and multiplied , and became exceedingly [5]mighty , so that the land was filled with them.
8 Now a new king arose over Egypt , who did not know Joseph . 9 He said to his people , "Behold , the people of the sons of Israel are [6]more and mightier than we. 10 "Come , let us deal wisely with them, or else they will multiply and [7]in the event e e of war , they will also join themselves to those who hate us, and fight against us and [8]depart from the land ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 1:1-10
Commentary on Exodus 1:1-7
(Read Exodus 1:1-7)
During more than 200 years, while Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived at liberty, the Hebrews increased slowly; only about seventy persons went down into Egypt. There, in about the same number of years, though under cruel bondage, they became a large nation. This wonderful increase was according to the promise long before made unto the fathers. Though the performance of God's promises is sometimes slow, it is always sure.
Commentary on Exodus 1:8-14
(Read Exodus 1:8-14)
The land of Egypt became to Israel a house of bondage. The place where we have been happy, may soon become the place of our affliction; and that may prove the greatest cross to us, of which we said, This same shall comfort us. Cease from man, and say not of any place on this side heaven, This is my rest. All that knew Joseph, loved him, and were kind to his brethren for his sake; but the best and most useful services a man does to others, are soon forgotten after his death. Our great care should be, to serve God, and to please him who is not unrighteous, whatever men are, to forget our work and labour of love. The offence of Israel is, that he prospers. There is no sight more hateful to a wicked man than the prosperity of the righteous. The Egyptians feared lest the children of Israel should join their enemies, and get them up out of the land. Wickedness is ever cowardly and unjust; it makes a man fear, where no fear is, and flee, when no one pursues him. And human wisdom often is foolishness, and very sinful. God's people had task-masters set over them, not only to burden them, but to afflict them with their burdens. They not only made them serve for Pharaoh's profit, but so that their lives became bitter. The Israelites wonderfully increased. Christianity spread most when it was persecuted: the blood of the martyrs was the seed of the church. They that take counsel against the Lord and his Israel, do but imagine a vain thing, and create greater vexation to themselves.