11 Now these are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob ; they came each one [1]with his household : 2 Reuben , Simeon , Levi and Judah ; 3 Issachar , Zebulun and Benjamin ; 4 Dan and Naphtali , Gad and Asher .
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.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 1:1-4
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.