Exodus 1: 8-22 | Journey Through The Bible, Study #35
Study Intro
In our last study we explored how the Israelites ended up in Egypt and how God blessed them to prosper and multiply. But the good times didn't last "There arose a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph (Exodus 1:8)"
The children of Israel faced tough times under this new Pharaoh, yet their population continue to grow. In the midst of this we'll see the incredible courage of two Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, and how God blessed them for their faithfulness. It's a story of oppression, resilience, and God's unwavering faithfulness.
Let’s get started!
A King Who Knew Not Joseph
Read Exodus 1:8
Discussion:
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Do you find it strange that in a few generations (at most) a king rose up who did not know the person who saved their nation from starvation?
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Is it likely that he did not know about Joseph or might the passage be suggesting that the king refused to acknowledge him (in the same way some choose not to acknowledge God)?
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Do you think Pharaoh’s view and treatment of the Israelites would have been any different had he recognized Joseph's contributions to Egypt?
A Plan Born Out Of Fear
Read Exodus 1:9-14
The Israelites had done nothing that would suggest that they were a threat to the Egyptians (except to multiply), yet Pharaoh feared them.
Discussion:
- Look at the reasons Pharaoh gave for oppressing the Israelites. Is there any merit to them?
- There are times when it's important to be concerned about personal or national safety. Can you think of any recent example? Was the threat real? Was the response reasonable?
- What other motives might have affected Pharaoh's decision to oppress the Israelites?
Destroying the Weak and Innocent
When oppression through slavery did not work, Pharaoh resorts to the unthinkable: Destroy all males at birth. His first attempt was to command the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill the male babies.
But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive (Exodus 1:17).
Therefore God dealt well with the midwives (Exodus 1: 20), because they feared God (Exodus 1: 21).
"and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty" (Exodus 1: 20).
When that attempt failed, Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile" (Exodus 1:22)
- Are there situations today that would justify the killing of babies (what if you had to do so to avoid torture, losing your job, possession, or be killed)?
- Think about the many (including Christians), fighting for the right to abort (kill) the unborn. What justifications are often presented for why families should have this right?
- How would you help someone struggling with the decision as to whether to end a pregnancy or not? How can you be both empathetic while standing up for the helpless?