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    Exodus 1 (KJV)

    Read Exodus chapter 1 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Exodus 1

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    Exodus 1 Summary

    Exodus 1 bridges the gap between the patriarchal narratives and the story of Israel's liberation from Egypt. The chapter opens with a summary of Jacob's family who came to Egypt, then fast-forwards to a new Pharaoh who did not know Joseph and perceived the growing Israelite population as a threat.

    Pharaoh's response escalates from forced labor to attempted genocide through the killing of Hebrew baby boys. Yet the Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah fear God more than Pharaoh and defy his orders, demonstrating that faithful obedience to God can resist even the most powerful human authorities.

    Key Themes

    Oppression and slaveryCourage of the midwivesGod's providential protectionPopulation growth as blessingResistance to injustice

    Key Verses in Exodus 1

    "But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive."

    — Exodus 1:17

    The midwives' civil disobedience is commended by God, establishing a biblical precedent for resisting unjust authority.

    "But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew."

    — Exodus 1:12

    Demonstrates that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human oppression.

    Life Application

    When human authorities command what contradicts God's law, believers are called to courageous obedience to God. The midwives' example shows that ordinary people can make extraordinary differences through faithful resistance to injustice.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who were Shiphrah and Puah in Exodus 1?

    They were Hebrew midwives who feared God and refused Pharaoh's order to kill newborn Hebrew boys. God blessed them with families of their own for their faithfulness.

    Why did Pharaoh fear the Israelites?

    The Israelites had multiplied greatly in Egypt, and the new Pharaoh feared they might ally with Egypt's enemies in time of war.

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