THE SECOND BOOK OF MOSES CALLED EXODUS. THE ARGUMENT. AFTER the death of Joseph, who had sent for his father’s house into Egypt, the children of Israel exceedingly multiplied, notwithstanding Pharaoh’s cruel oppressing of them; from under which God, hearing their cry, brought them with a strong…

This list is here repeated, that by comparing this small root with so vast a company of branches as grew upon it, we may see the wonderful providence of God in the fulfilling of his promises. And his household, his children and grandchildren, as the word house is taken Ruth 4:11, 2 Sam.

Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah,

Who, though the youngest of all, is placed before Dan, Naphtali, &c., because these were the sons of the handmaidens.

Seventy souls, including Jacob and Joseph, and his two sons. See Gen. 46:26–27, Deut. 10:22. Or if they were but sixty-nine, they are called seventy by a round number, of which we shall have many instances. i.e. All that were of the same age with Joseph and his brethren.

Here are many words, and some very emphatical, to express their incredible multiplication. They waxed exceeding mighty; which may relate either to their numbers, which greatly added to their strength, or to their constitution, to note that their offspring was strong as well as numerous.

A new king, i.e. another king; one of another disposition, or interest, or family; for the kingdom of Egypt did oft pass from one family to another, as appears from the history of the Dynastics recorded in ancient writers.

This was not a true, but an invidious representation and aggravation of the matter, the better to justify the sororities which he designed.

War was not unusual in that country. So get them up out of the land, which they might easily learn from some of the Hebrews, that they were in due time to do. And they were very unwilling to pint with them, because of the tribute and service which they did receive and expect from them.

Taskmasters, Heb. masters of tribute, who were to exact from them the tribute required, which was both money and labour; that their purses might be exhausted by the one, their strength by the other, and their spirits by both.

They multiplied, through God’s overruling providence and singular blessing, which God gave them purposely to hasten first their sorer affliction, and next, and by that means, their glorious deliverance. They were grieved, through envy and fear.

Or, cruelty, or, tyranny; with hard words and cruel usage, without mercy or mitigation. This God permitted for wise and just reasons. 1. As a punishment of their idolatry, into which divers of them fell there. Josh. 24:14, Ezek. 20:5, Ezek. 20:7–8, Ezek. 23:8 2.

Service in the field was the basest and most laborious of all their services.

The Hebrew midwives; such as not only were employed about the Hebrew women, but were Hebrews themselves, not Egyptians, as some suppose; as may appear, 1. Because they are expressly called, not the midwives of the Hebrews, but the Hebrew midwives. 2.

The stools; a seat used by women when ready to be delivered, conveniently framed for the midwife’s better discharge of her office. Ye shall kill him, which it was not difficult for them to do without much observation. If it be a daughter, then she shall live; either, 1.

1635 They feared God more than the king, and therefore chose to obey God rather than the king, their commands being contrary each to other.

They are lively, or, vigorous and active in promoting the birth of their own children; or, like the beasts, which without any help of others bring forth their young. So the Hebrew word signifies; and so there is only a refe of the particle of similitude, which is frequent, as I have noted before.

Therefore, because they feared God, and spared the children, Ex. 1:17, whereby they exposed themselves to the king’s displeasure; because they would not offend God by murdering the children, which they might have done many times secretly, and therefore it was only the fear of God which restrained…

i.e. God greatly increased their families both in children and posterity, and in wealth, and other outward blessings. So this phrase is used Gen. 30:30, Deut. 25:9, 1 Sam. 2:35, 1 Kings 2:24, 1 Kings 11:38, Ps. 127:1.