Today we are reading Exodus 1. In this chapter we read about the Hebrews multiplying and eventually being enslaved. “Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens. They built for Pharaoh store cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel. So they ruthlessly made the people of Israel work as slaves and made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and brick, and in all kinds of work in the field. In all their work they ruthlessly made them work as slaves.” Exodus 1:8-14 ESV The story of enslavement is tragic and utterly sinful. In spite of the brutal treatment, God blessed the Hebrew people to grow in strength and number. How has God blessed you in your time of suffering? How has your faith grown in times of affliction? May the story of God’s care and compassion for the Hebrews encourage you of His presence in your life. Pastor Tim
