5 All the [1]persons who came from the loins of Jacob were seventy [2]in number , but Joseph was already in Egypt . 6 Joseph died , and all his brothers and all that generation . 7 But the sons of Israel were fruitful and [3]increased greatly , and multiplied , and became exceedingly [4]mighty , so that the land was filled with them.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 1:5-7
Commentary on Exodus 1:1-7
(Read Exodus 1:1-7)
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.