Exodus 1:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 1:5
5 And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already.
Chapter Context
Exodus 1 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, judgment, holiness. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 1:5
5 And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already.
Analysis
All the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls (שִׁבְעִים נֶפֶשׁ, shiv'im nefesh)—The number seventy represents completeness in Hebrew thought (cf. seventy nations in Genesis 10, seventy elders in Exodus 24:1). Souls (נֶפֶשׁ, nefesh) emphasizes living persons, not mere statistics. From this small clan God would multiply a nation—fulfilling His promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:5). For Joseph was in Egypt already shows divine providence: the one sold into slavery became the savior who preserved the covenant family. This verse sets up the miraculous multiplication to follow.
Historical Context
The seventy count matches Genesis 46:27 and Deuteronomy 10:22, providing historical verification. This small immigrant group arrived during the Hyksos period (c. 1700 BC) when Semitic rulers controlled Egypt, explaining their favorable reception. The population explosion that follows (v. 7) spans approximately four centuries.
Reflection
- How does God's ability to build a nation from seventy people encourage faith when resources seem insufficient?
- What does Joseph's prior presence in Egypt teach about God's providential preparation in your circumstances?
Cross-References
- References Egypt: Deuteronomy 10:22
- Parallel theme: Judges 8:30