Exodus 1:12
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But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and flourished; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Increase in the Number of the IsraelitesTheir Bondage in Egypt - Exodus 1 The promise which God gave to Jacob in his departure from Canaan (Gen 46:3) was perfectly fulfilled. The children of Israel settled down in the most fruitful province of the fertile land of Egypt, and grew there into a great nation (Exo 1:1-7). But the words which the Lord had spoken to Abram (Gen 15:13) were also fulfilled in relation to his seed in Egypt. The children of Israel were oppressed in a strange land, were compelled to serve the Egyptians (Exo 1:8-14), and were in great danger of being entirely crushed by them (Exo 1:15-22).
Open source ↗We have here, I. God's kindness to Israel, in multiplying them exceedingly (Exo 1:1-7). II. The Egyptians' wickedness to them, 1. Oppressing and enslaving them (Exo 1:8-14). 2. Murdering their children (Exo 1:15-22). Thus whom the court of heaven blessed the country of Egypt cursed, and for that reason.
Open source ↗1:12 In spite of the concerted Egyptian oppression, the Israelites multiplied and spread; God was keeping his promise about giving Abraham many descendants (Gen 15:5).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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And the LORD made His people very fruitful, more numerous than their foes,
“Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become too numerous and too powerful for us.
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
Then the Pharisees said to one another, “You can see that this is doing you no good. Look how the whole world has gone after Him!”
Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy?
For resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.
There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.