INTRODUCTION:  From Genesis to Revelation, Satan has attempted to destroy the people of God and the godly seed. This chapter records one of many such attempts. Yet, God blesses His people despite the opposition of the enemy. And, He uses affliction to bring His people to even greater good.

1. BLESSINGS IN EGYPT (Exodus 1:1-7 [1] Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob. [2] Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, [3] Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, [4] Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. [5] And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already. [6] And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. [7] And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.
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1. The Seed Planted (Exodus 1:1-5 [1] Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob. [2] Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, [3] Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, [4] Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. [5] And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already.
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1. Their names are given (Exodus 1:1-4 [1] Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob. [2] Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, [3] Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, [4] Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.
   See All...); God keeps up with our names (Luke 10:20Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
   See All...; Philippians 4:3
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2. Their souls are counted (Exodus 1:5And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already.
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2. The Generation Passes (Exodus 1:6And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation.
   See All...; Ecclesiastes 1:4One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.
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1. Joseph died.
2. Joseph’s brethren died.
3. All that generation died.
3. The Fruit Multiplies (Exodus 1:7And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.
   See All...; Matthew 13:23But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
   See All...; John 15:2Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
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1. Fruitful (cp. Acts 6:7And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
   See All...; Acts 12:24But the word of God grew and multiplied.
   See All...; Acts 19:20So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
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2. Increased abundantly
3. Multiplied
4. Waxed exceeding mighty
5. Land filled with them
2. BURDENS IN EGYPT (Exodus 1:8-14 [8] Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. [9] And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we: [10] Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land. [11] Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. [12] But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. [13] And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour: [14] And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.
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1. The Fears of the New King (Exodus 1:8-10 [8] Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. [9] And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we: [10] Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.
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1. A new pharaoh arises (Exodus 1:8Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.
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2. He knew not Joseph (Exodus 1:8Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.
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1. Since Joseph is a type of Christ, this pictures those who do not know the Lord (Judges 2:10And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.
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2. They fear those who do know God and are blessed by knowing Him.
3. He feared the Israelites (Exodus 1:9-10 [9] And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we: [10] Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.
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1. Their great population (Exodus 1:9And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:
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2. Their growing power (Exodus 1:9And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:
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3. Their potential as enemies (Exodus 1:10Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.
   See All...); notice, they are not enemies. He only fears what they might do if they were enemies. So, he establishes a policy that is sure to make them enemies.
4. Their possibility of leaving (Exodus 1:10Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.
   See All...); they remembered the words of Joseph (Genesis 50:24And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
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4. He took counsel for controlling them (Exodus 1:10Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.
   See All...; see Psalm 2:1-3 [1] Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? [2] The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, [3] Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
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1. In verse 9, Pharaoh speaks to his people concerning the Israelites.
2. In verse 10, Pharaoh requests the help of the people in dealing with the Israelites.
3. Egypt is a type of the world, and it is common for the world to try to solve their problems by committees.
2. The Enslavement of the People (Exodus 1:11-12 [11] Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. [12] But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.
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1. He makes them taskmasters (Exodus 1:11Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.
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2. The taskmasters are set to afflict the people of God (Exodus 1:11Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.
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3. He gives them burdens (Exodus 1:11Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.
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4. They build treasure cities for Pharaoh (Exodus 1:11Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.
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1. Pithom
2. Raamses
5. But they continue to grow (Exodus 1:12But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.
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6. And the Egyptians are grieved (Exodus 1:12But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.
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3. The Affliction of the People (Exodus 1:13-14 [13] And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour: [14] And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.
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1. Their service was made hard (Exodus 1:13And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour:
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2. Their lives were made bitter (Exodus 1:14And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.
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1. In mortar
2. In brick
3. In all manner of service in the field
4. Examples of Growth through Affliction
1. The Israelites (Exodus 1:12But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.
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2. The early churches (Acts 8:1-4 [1] And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. [2] And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. [3] As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. [4] Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
   See All...; Acts 11:19-21 [19] Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. [20] And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the LORD Jesus. [21] And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
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3. Individual believers (Romans 5:3-5 [3] And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; [4] And patience, experience; and experience, hope: [5] And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
   See All...; James 1:2-4 [2] My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; [3] Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. [4] But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
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4. The Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:10For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
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3. BATTLES IN EGYPT (Exodus 1:15-22 [15] And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah: [16] And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live. [17] But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive. [18] And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive? [19] And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them. [20] Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty. [21] And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses. [22] And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.
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1. The Charge to the Hebrew Midwives (Exodus 1:15-21 [15] And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah: [16] And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live. [17] But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive. [18] And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive? [19] And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them. [20] Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty. [21] And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.
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1. The command of the king (Exodus 1:15-16 [15] And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah: [16] And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.
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1. To the midwives (Exodus 1:15And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah:
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1. Shiphrah – means beauty
2. Puah – means splendid
2. To kill the male infants (Exodus 1:16And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.
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3. To spare the female infants (Exodus 1:16And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.
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1. It was common in time of warfare to spare the young women who had not known man.
2. The females could be spared and eventually take Egyptian husbands.  This would still help to multiply the strength of Egypt.
2. The refusal of the midwives (Exodus 1:17-19 [17] But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive. [18] And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive? [19] And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.
   See All...; Acts 4:19-20 [19] But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. [20] For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
   See All...; Acts 5:29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
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1. Their fear of God (Exodus 1:17But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.
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2. Their encounter with Pharaoh (Exodus 1:18-19 [18] And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive? [19] And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.
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1. The questioning of Pharaoh (Exodus 1:18And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive?
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2. The deception of the midwives (Exodus 1:19And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.
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1. The Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women.
2. The Hebrew women are lively.
3. The Hebrew women are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.
3. The reward of the Lord (Exodus 1:20-21 [20] Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty. [21] And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.
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1. God dealt well with the midwives (Exodus 1:20Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.
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2. The Israelites multiplied (Exodus 1:20Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.
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3. The Israelites waxed mighty (Exodus 1:20Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.
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4. The Lord made the midwives houses (Exodus 1:21And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.
   See All...; Acts 16:31And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
   See All...; 1 Timothy 3:4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
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2. The Charge to the Egyptian People (Exodus 1:22And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.
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1. An open announcement; secret devices eventually become open cruelty.
2. To throw the Hebrew male infants into the river
1. Note: It is interesting to note that God’s righteous judgment (Revelation 19:11-12 [11] And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. [12] His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
   See All...) is demonstrated in the drowning of the Egyptians in the Red Sea.
3. To save alive every daughter
3. Possible Purposes of the Persecution
1. To deter the mixing of God’s people with the Egyptians and to preserve them as a separate people (Exodus 12:38And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.
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2. To limit the degree to which the Israelites followed false gods (Joshua 24:14Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.
   See All...; Ezekiel 20:5-8 [5] And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day when I chose Israel, and lifted up mine hand unto the seed of the house of Jacob, and made myself known unto them in the land of Egypt, when I lifted up mine hand unto them, saying, I am the LORD your God; [6] In the day that I lifted up mine hand unto them, to bring them forth of the land of Egypt into a land that I had espied for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands: [7] Then said I unto them, Cast ye away every man the abominations of his eyes, and defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. [8] But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: they did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt: then I said, I will pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.
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3. To encourage the Israelites to cry out to God (Exodus 2:23-25 [23] And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. [24] And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. [25] And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.
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4. To make the Israelites willing to leave the wealth and comfort of Egypt (Exodus 4:29-31 [29] And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel: [30] And Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. [31] And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.
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CONCLUSION:  What are the afflictions your class faces? They will be different for different ages and situations. Help them to realize that God will use those very afflictions in order to bring about His good will.