“And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already.”
Context: The book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and continues the narrative of God’s chosen people, the Israelites, who were descendants of Jacob. The story begins with the Israelites in Egypt, where they had initially come to seek refuge during a famine but eventually became slaves to the Egyptians. Exodus 1:5 sets the stage by mentioning the number of people who descended from Jacob and were in Egypt at the time.
The significance of seventy souls: The verse states that there were seventy souls who came out of the loins of Jacob. This refers to Jacob’s immediate family, including his twelve sons, their wives, and Jacob himself. The count of seventy is symbolic and signifies the foundational number of the Israelite nation that would grow into a great multitude as God had promised to Abraham.
Foreshadowing Joseph’s presence in Egypt: The verse concludes by mentioning that Joseph was already in Egypt at the time. This references Joseph, one of Jacob’s sons, who had been sold into slavery by his brothers but eventually rose to become a prominent figure in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. Joseph’s presence in Egypt played a significant role in ensuring the survival and prosperity of his family, the Israelites, during a severe famine. This foreshadows the events that would unfold in the book of Exodus, as the Israelites would eventually find themselves in a position of oppression under a new Pharaoh who did not remember Joseph.
God’s faithfulness and fulfillment of promises: The mention of the seventy souls and Joseph being in Egypt already highlights God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Despite the hardships and challenges faced by the Israelites in Egypt, God’s plan was unfolding according to His divine purposes. This verse sets the stage for the subsequent events in Exodus, where God would deliver His people from bondage and lead them towards the fulfillment of His covenant.
Overall, Exodus 1:5 serves as an introductory verse, providing a historical context and foreshadowing the forthcoming events in the book of Exodus. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises, even in the face of difficult circumstances.
