Now, the book of Exodus picks up right where Genesis ends.
“And these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob” (Exodus 1:1). The passage begins by reminding us of the family that entered Egypt during Joseph’s day.
Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah are listed first. They were the oldest sons of Jacob, born to Leah (see Genesis 29:31-35 for the account of their births and the meaning of their names). Issachar and Zebulun follow-also sons of Leah-born ninth and tenth among Jacob’s twelve sons.
Benjamin is mentioned next, the son of Rachel, whom Jacob deeply loved. Then come Dan and Naphtali, the sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s handmaid. After them are Gad and Asher, born to Zilpah, Leah’s handmaid.
Finally, in verse 5, Joseph is referenced. Though he had already been in Egypt, his name carries great weight because of his prominence in Israel’s history and his relationship with Pharaoh. His story brought the family into Egypt-but the story is far from over.
God’s promises may take generations to unfold, but He never forgets His people. What began as a small family entering Egypt would grow into a great nation. Even when unseen, His plan is always moving forward.
In verses 7-14, Exodus shifts from listing names to describing growth. Joseph’s family multiplied greatly in Egypt, just as God had promised Abraham. But prosperity eventually gave way to pressure. A new Pharaoh arose who did not know Joseph, and fear of Israel’s growth led to oppression.
The people of God experienced both increase and enslavement. Yet even in bondage, the Lord was preparing the stage for deliverance.
Now, the book of Exodus picks up right where Genesis ends.
“And these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob” (Exodus 1:1). The passage begins by reminding us of the family that entered Egypt during Joseph’s day.
Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah are listed first. They were the oldest sons of Jacob, born to Leah (see Genesis 29:31-35 for the account of their births and the meaning of their names). Issachar and Zebulun follow-also sons of Leah-born ninth and tenth among Jacob’s twelve sons.
Benjamin is mentioned next, the son of Rachel, whom Jacob deeply loved. Then come Dan and Naphtali, the sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s handmaid. After them are Gad and Asher, born to Zilpah, Leah’s handmaid.
Finally, in verse 5, Joseph is referenced. Though he had already been in Egypt, his name carries great weight because of his prominence in Israel’s history and his relationship with Pharaoh. His story brought the family into Egypt-but the story is far from over.
God’s promises may take generations to unfold, but He never forgets His people. What began as a small family entering Egypt would grow into a great nation. Even when unseen, His plan is always moving forward.
In verses 7-14, Exodus shifts from listing names to describing growth. Joseph’s family multiplied greatly in Egypt, just as God had promised Abraham. But prosperity eventually gave way to pressure. A new Pharaoh arose who did not know Joseph, and fear of Israel’s growth led to oppression.
The people of God experienced both increase and enslavement. Yet even in bondage, the Lord was preparing the stage for deliverance.