Exodus 1:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 1:10
10 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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 1 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, covenant, fellowship. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 1:10
10 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.
Analysis
Come on, let us deal wisely with them (הָבָה נִתְחַכְּמָה לוֹ, havah nitchakemah lo)—The verb "deal wisely" (חָכַם, chakam) drips with irony: Pharaoh thinks he's being shrewd, but he's actually opposing God's covenant people. This so-called "wisdom" is folly (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:19-20). His three-part fear: lest they multiply, join our enemies, and get them up out of the land. The last phrase is doubly ironic—Pharaoh fears their exodus, which is exactly God's plan! Human schemes cannot thwart divine purposes. Pharaoh's "wisdom" will be exposed as foolishness when God delivers Israel through mighty acts.
Historical Context
Egypt's strategic vulnerability to invasion from the east (via Sinai) made large Semitic populations in the Delta region a legitimate security concern. The Hyksos had invaded from this region centuries earlier. However, Pharaoh's solution—oppression rather than integration—only intensified the problem.
Reflection
- How do you distinguish worldly "wisdom" from godly wisdom when making decisions about perceived threats?
- In what ways have you seen human schemes against God's people ultimately serve His purposes?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 10:2, 105:25, Proverbs 1:11, Acts 7:19