Exodus 1:9
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
“Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become too numerous and too powerful for us.
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 ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
I saw that all labor and success spring from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy?
For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
A large population is a king’s splendor, but a lack of subjects is a prince’s ruin.
Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy?
For resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.