“Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.”
This verse is part of the narrative in the book of Exodus that describes the oppression and enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt. Here, we see the perspective of the Egyptians and their concern about the increasing population of the Israelites.
To gain a deeper understanding of Exodus 1:10, let’s examine the context and explore its significance:
- Historical Context: After Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt and his family settling there, a new Pharaoh arose who did not know Joseph (Exodus 1:8). The Israelites had grown numerous and mighty, which raised fears among the Egyptians.
- Strategy and Fear: The verse begins with the phrase “Come on, let us deal wisely with them.” The Egyptians devised a plan to subdue the Israelites, fearing that they would become too numerous and potentially join forces with Egypt’s enemies during a time of war. The Egyptians wanted to prevent the Israelites from leaving Egypt, which would have threatened their control and security.
- Divine Providence: Although this verse focuses on the plans and concerns of the Egyptians, it sets the stage for God’s intervention in the subsequent events of the Exodus story. Despite human strategies, God’s divine plan to deliver His people from slavery in Egypt would unfold.
- Historical Fulfillment: The Israelites did indeed increase in number and eventually became slaves under harsh conditions (Exodus 1:11-14). However, God had a plan to deliver them from oppression and fulfill His promises to their forefathers.
By studying Exodus 1:10, we can observe the tensions that arise when worldly powers attempt to suppress and control God’s chosen people. It also highlights God’s faithfulness in orchestrating events according to His divine purposes.
It is essential to read the Bible in its entirety, considering the complete narrative, to grasp the full significance of Exodus 1:10 and how it fits into God’s redemptive plan.
