Exodus
The Book of Exodus relates the forming of the children of Israel into a church and a nation.
We have hitherto seen true religion shown in domestic life, now, we begin to trace its effects upon
the concerns of kingdoms and nations. Exodus signifies “the departure;” the chief event therein
recorded is the departure of Israel from Egypt and Egyptian bondage; it plainly points out the
fulfilling of several promises and prophecies to Abraham respecting his seed, and shadows forth
the state of the church, in the wilderness of this world, until her arrival at the heavenly Canaan, an
eternal rest.
Chapter 1
Chapter Outline
The children of Israel increase in Egypt after (8–14)
the death of Joseph.
They are oppressed, but multiply (1–7)
exceedingly.
The men-children destroyed. (15–22)Verses 1–7
During more than 200 years, while Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived at liberty, the Hebrews
increased slowly; only about seventy persons went down into Egypt. There, in about the same
number of years, though under cruel bondage, they became a large nation. This wonderful increase
was according to the promise long before made unto the fathers. Though the performance of God's
promises is sometimes slow, it is always sure.
Verses 8–14
The land of Egypt became to Israel a house of bondage. The place where we have been happy,
may soon become the place of our affliction; and that may prove the greatest cross to us, of which
we said, This same shall comfort us. Cease from man, and say not of any place on this side heaven,
This is my rest. All that knew Joseph, loved him, and were kind to his brethren for his sake; but
the best and most useful services a man does to others, are soon forgotten after his death. Our great
care should be, to serve God, and to please him who is not unrighteous, whatever men are, to forget
our work and labour of love. The offence of Israel is, that he prospers. There is no sight more hateful
to a wicked man than the prosperity of the righteous. The Egyptians feared lest the children of Israel
should join their enemies, and get them up out of the land. Wickedness is ever cowardly and unjust;
it makes a man fear, where no fear is, and flee, when no one pursues him. And human wisdom
often is foolishness, and very sinful. God's people had task-masters set over them, not only to burden
them, but to afflict them with their burdens. They not only made them serve for Pharaoh's profit,