Read the chapter, then continue into chapter 2. This chapter sets the stage for the Moses by explaining the background into which he was born. Make notes, and jot down questions as you read through, paying specific attention to the terms for the king of Egypt and actions he takes, the actions of the midwives, and the actions of the people, both Egyptian and the Sons of Israel.
After reading through, making your own notes and questions, go back through with a commentary or two. After you revise your questions and notes, read back through the chapter with the questions below:
- The writer is specific about the eleven sons of Israel, and that Joseph was already there. Why do you think that was an important element? Considering that Jacob had already replaced two of his sons with Joseph's sons (Genesis 48:5), so why do you think this specific detail be so important here?
- Without an inheritance for Reuben and Simeon, what do you think happens to their offspring? What part of the sons of Israel do you think they become?
- Jacob begins with seventy souls with him in Goshen, and then there's a population explosion. Read verse 7 in several translations. They were basically "fruitful" and multiplied like rabbits. This word translated as "multiplied" or "increased" in verse 7, is translated almost universally as "multiplied" in verses 12 and 20. What do you think this problem looked like from the perspective of the Egyptians? Look specifically at verse 12, and the dread the Egyptians are said to feel toward Israel. How do you think they perceived this multiplying of Israel?
- A new king arises in Egypt who did not know Joseph. There is a period of Egyptian history where they were ruled by foreign kings (Hyksos) of unknown origin. It's possible that the people of Israel first experienced their free growth during this period, and were left behind after these kings were expelled. Or, the Hebrews could have been subjugated by them, and left while still under their rule. Unfortunately, dating this period with certainty is difficult. Regardless of the dating, what do you think of a group of foreigners being used by God in Egypt to protect or subjugate His people?
- From verses 9 and 10, the reasoning behind the subjugation of the sons of Israel is fear that they would join invaders against Egypt. If the period of flourishing of the sons of Israel was started during the Hyksos, what do you think of the Egyptian reasoning?
- The remains of the cities of Pithom and Raamses have been not been found, at least not for certain. The wording in Exodus 11 could refer to building from scratch or building additional buildings there. Which means this oppression of Israel still can't be dated with certainty from ruins we can find. This has thrown the whole of the historicity of the Exodus into question for many scholars. How do you feel about the difficulties with the lack of "archaeological" evidence?
- The real point for the writer is that this subjugation failed, and only served to increase the sons of Israel even more (v.12). What do you think about this growth under subjugation? Why do you think God would permit this treatment of His people? It's not punishment, why do you think He's allowing it?
- Next, the Pharaoh tries to use the two midwives to kill the male children born to the Hebrews. How many people could there have been if there were only two midwives for the whole of the people? Keep whatever number you guess in your mind as the story progresses.
- The midwives are named with Hebrew names, and they fear God. Why do you think the Pharaoh would even think this would work if the midwives are of the sons of Israel?
- The midwives claim the Hebrew women are hardy and give birth before they can get there. This is probably a bit of an exaggeration, but notice the Pharaoh accepts it. What do you think of his acceptance of this excuse? What does that tell you about how the Egyptians view the Hebrews?
- God gives the midwives houses of their own (families?). What does that tell you about what they had before this? So, if God is involved in blessing the midwives, why isn't he involved in easing the burden on His people?
- So, once again, the tactic of the Egyptians fails, and the Hebrews multiply (v.20). Pharaoh leaves the midwives and commands "his people". To whom do you think Pharaoh gives this command to throw the children into the Nile?
