Exodus 1:1

The Affliction of the Israelites in Egypt

1¹ These are the names of the Israelites who went to Egypt with Jacob, each bringing his family members:

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Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 1:1

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.