0729. Israel Afflicted in Egypt

Israel Afflicted in Egypt

"The more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew" (Exo_1:12).

After Abraham came Isaac, then Jacob, and then the twelve sons of Jacob. These latter became the nucleus of the twelve-tribed nation, Israel.

During the days of Jacob, the patriarch, he, with his twelve sons and their families went down to sojourn in Egypt. Joseph, one of the sons had been cruelly dealt with by some of his brothers, and yet, God in mercy, turned their sin unto their salvation, for Joseph was sent to Egypt before them to preserve their lives.

1. Satan’s first attempt was against Joseph, whom he sought to slay. While the satanic ingenuity was foiled, yet, Joseph was reported as dead to his father, and all trace of his whereabouts was lost.

2. Satan through the great famine that befell the whole land, thought to exterminate the remaining sons. Then it was that, in Egypt, they found corn, and after a while the whole family, including Jacob, came to the house of Pharaoh and dwelt in the land of Goshen.

3. After Joseph’s death, a Pharaoh arose who began to fear the growing power of the children of Israel. The people became exceeding numerous, and it was not long until satan moved upon Pharaoh to persecute them. First of all harsh taskmasters were placed over the Israelites, while they were forced to greatly enlarge their output of bricks; then, the quota of bricks was still demanded, but straw was forbidden them in its manufacture.

It is not difficult to see back of these stirring scenes, the subtle strategy of the devil. He it was who made the lot of the Israelites more and more severe.

Finally an edict went forth that all the male children, born to the children of Israel should be slain.

The people wept and cried unto the Lord, and He heard them. Satan was defeated. Moses was raised up, and he with his brother Aaron led the people forth from before the face of Pharaoh.

4. The pursuit of Pharaoh and his overthrow in the sea all manifested satan’s maddened spirit against God’s chosen people. God, however, gave deliverance and the enemy was again defeated and the seed, preserved.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR