Exodus 1:1-7
Background and Context
The book of Exodus opens approximately 360 years after the close of Genesis. At the end of Genesis, Joseph had risen to power in Egypt, saved the known world from famine, and brought his entire family (seventy persons in all) to live in the land of Goshen. Now, a new king has arisen over Egypt “who did not know Joseph” (Exodus 1:8). The small, protected clan that entered Egypt has grown into a mighty multitude. This sets the stage for the central drama of Exodus.
Moses is the human author, uniquely equipped by God to write this account. Raised as a prince in Pharaoh’s court, Moses received the finest education available in the ancient world—training in Egyptian language, literature, law, administration, and history. This royal upbringing gave him insider knowledge of Egyptian culture, politics, and religion, which he later used under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to record the events of the Exodus with remarkable detail and accuracy. God is the true Protagonist of the story, and Moses, the reluctant yet faithful servant, becomes the human instrument through whom the Lord reveals His redeeming power.
Introduction
The book of Exodus opens with a quiet but powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness. After the dramatic close of Genesis, where Joseph saved many lives through God’s sovereign plan, we now see the descendants of Israel multiplying in Egypt. Moses, the human author inspired by the Holy Spirit, wastes no time showing us that God is the true protagonist of this story. As Travis Agnew reminds us, “God redeems His helpless people from a ruthless enemy to follow Him closely on the challenging path to the Promised Land.” These first seven verses set the stage for the entire Exodus narrative: a long, faithful plan that outlives individuals, requires perseverance, and ends in the kind of prosperity only God can give.
1) God Has a Plan (1:1)
“These are the names of the sons of Israel who entered Egypt with Jacob…” The very first verse anchors us in God’s long-term plan. This is not a short sprint; it is a multi-generational journey. God’s long game gives us greater purpose, demands greater perseverance, and culminates in greater prosperity—not the shallow prosperity the world chases, but the deep blessing that comes when God determines what is good.
As Joseph himself declared near the end of Genesis: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20). God’s plan is always working toward His definition of good, even when it passes through pain, delay, or apparent defeat.
2) God’s Purpose Will Outlive You (1:6)
Verse 6 simply states, “Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died.” Every human actor eventually leaves the stage, yet God’s purpose marches on. This purpose is transcendent—it shapes everything we do—and pervasive—it touches every area of life. It also gives us healthy perspective: we are not the center of the world, but we are deeply loved, and what we do truly matters.
This leads to patrimony—a lasting legacy. We are called to tell the next generation “the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done” (Psalm 78:4). A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children (Proverbs 13:22). God’s purpose outlives every generation because it rests on His unchanging faithfulness.
3) God Always Provides for His Progress (1:7)
Despite the passing of the founding generation, “the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied greatly, increased in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them.” God took this small band and turned them from a handful into a mighty nation—from hated to helpful, from famine to fruitful, from mini to mighty, from shaky to strong. The same God who caused Israel to flourish in Egypt is still providing for the progress of His people today.
Application
God’s plan for you and for His church will require perseverance, but it will end in the kind of prosperity that only He can give. The wilderness seasons—where things feel hard, confusing, or endless—are often the very places where God proves Himself most faithful. You will not leave the wilderness the same person you entered it.
Step into the story of Exodus with open hands and a willing heart. Submit to God’s long game. Live with eternity in view. Leave a legacy of faith for those who come after you. And trust that the God who multiplied a handful of Israelites into a great nation is the same God who is at work in your life right now—providing, protecting, and progressing His purposes for His glory and your good.
Small Group Questions
· Are you excited about this series in Exodus? What are you looking forward to learning from it?
· What do you think submitting to God’s plan requires all of us to do?
· In what ways is God’s plan bigger than just one person, group of people, or even a whole nation?
· How have you seen God provide for His progress in your life?
For Further Study
Read Genesis 50:20 alongside Romans 8:28 to see how God works all things for good.
Study Psalm 78:1-8 to understand the importance of passing faith to the next generation.
Compare Exodus 1:7 with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 to see how God still multiplies His people today.
