Exodus 1: Oppression in Egypt

Key Verse: Exodus 1:12"But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel."

The book of Exodus begins with a dramatic shift. The Israelites, once favored in Egypt because of Joseph, are now feared and oppressed. A new Pharaoh arises—one who does not remember Joseph or the ways he saved Egypt. All he sees is a growing population of Hebrews, and he is afraid.

Fear often leads to oppression. Instead of trusting or coexisting, Pharaoh chooses control. He enslaves the Israelites, forcing them into harsh labor, building his cities, and making their lives bitter. But even in their suffering, something amazing happens—the more they are oppressed, the more they multiply.

This is the pattern of God’s people throughout history. The enemy tries to destroy, but God brings growth. The Church has often flourished in persecution. Why? Because God is always in control. No amount of oppression can stop His plan.

Pharaoh, seeing that his efforts aren’t working, takes things even further—he commands that all Hebrew baby boys be thrown into the Nile. This is the enemy at work. Whenever God is about to do something great, the enemy fights to stop it. We see this with Herod trying to kill Jesus as a baby, just as Pharaoh tries to wipe out the future deliverer of Israel. But God is never caught off guard.

The suffering of Israel sets the stage for a mighty deliverance. Even in oppression, God is at work. He hears the cries of His people, and He has already prepared a way of salvation.

If you feel overwhelmed today—burdened, oppressed, or trapped—know this: God sees, God hears, and God will deliver. Just like He did for Israel, He is working behind the scenes, and no enemy can stop His plan for your life.