Exodus 1:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 1:7
7 And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.
Chapter Context
Exodus 1 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, mercy, love. 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 addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 1:7
7 And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.
Analysis
And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty—Five Hebrew verbs emphasize explosive growth: fruitful (פָּרָה, parah), increased abundantly (שָׁרַץ, sharats, lit. "swarmed" like fish or insects), multiplied (רָבָה, ravah), waxed mighty (עָצַם, atsam, "became strong"), and exceeding (מְאֹד מְאֹד, me'od me'od, doubly intensive). This language deliberately echoes Genesis 1:28 ("be fruitful and multiply") and Genesis 9:7, showing God fulfilling His creation mandate. Despite hostile conditions, God's blessing produces supernatural increase—from 70 to potentially 2+ million (Exodus 12:37).
Historical Context
This population explosion occurred during the roughly 400 years of Egyptian residence. While natural demographic growth alone could account for much increase, the emphatic Hebrew suggests divine intervention. The land was filled with them (Goshen region) sets up Pharaoh's paranoia in verse 9.
Reflection
- How does God's blessing producing growth despite oppression encourage you in difficult circumstances?
- In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's power to multiply small beginnings?
Cross-References
- References Israel: Genesis 47:27
- Parallel theme: Genesis 1:28, 9:1, 12:2, 17:16, 35:11, 46:3