
Increase, Oppression, and Deliverance
The first three chapters of Exodus lay the foundation for one of the most significant moments in the history of Israel—God’s deliverance of His people from slavery in Egypt.
Exodus 1 begins by recounting the names of Jacob’s sons who had moved to Egypt with their families, where they prospered and multiplied greatly after Joseph’s death (v. 1-7). However, a new Pharaoh arises, one who does not remember Joseph or the role he played in saving Egypt. Alarmed by the rapid growth of the Israelites, Pharaoh views them as a potential threat and takes oppressive measures to control them (v. 8-10).
Pharaoh forces the Israelites into hard labor, using them to build cities and subjecting them to brutal treatment. Despite the oppression, the Israelites continue to multiply, which further alarms Pharaoh (v. 11-14). In an attempt to curb their growth, Pharaoh orders the Hebrew midwives to kill all newborn Hebrew boys. However, the midwives fear God and courageously defy Pharaoh, allowing the boys to live. Because of their faithfulness, God blesses the midwives with families of their own, and the Israelites continue to increase in number (v. 15-21).
The courage and faith of the midwives highlight the importance of trusting God above human authority, even in the face of great risk. Their faith in God gave them the courage to take a stand for what they knew was right. In this situation, disobeying the authority was proper. God does not expect us to obey those in authority when they ask us to disobey Him or His Word. The Bible is filled with examples of those who were willing to sacrifice their very lives in order to obey God or save others. Like the midwives, we are called to live with bold faith, trusting God even in the face of fear.
Frustrated, Pharaoh escalates his campaign by commanding all Egyptians to throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile, setting the stage for the dramatic events that will follow in Moses’ story (v. 22).
Exodus 2 recounts the early life of Moses and God’s preparation for Israel’s deliverance. Born during a time when Pharaoh had decreed that all Hebrew baby boys be killed, Moses is hidden by his mother for three months. When she can no longer hide him, she places him in a basket and sets it among the reeds of the Nile (v. 1-3). In an extraordinary act of God’s protection, Pharaoh’s daughter finds Moses and raises him as her own, unwittingly preparing him for the role he will one day play in delivering God’s people (v. 5-10). Through this supernatural chain of events, Moses’ mother is reunited with her baby—what a beautiful example of God’s faithfulness! Her brave decision to save and hide her son became the starting point of God’s plan to deliver His people from Egypt.
God doesn’t require much from us to fulfill His purposes. Sometimes, trust is all He needs to start His work in you. When we focus on our struggles, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or stuck because the challenges may seem impossible to overcome. But when we shift our focus to God and His power, we begin to find hope and a path forward. Even when we cannot see His hand, He is sovereignly guiding events according to His purposes. If you’re feeling trapped by your current troubles, fix your eyes on God. Trust in His protection and remember that He is always working to bring about His perfect plan for your life,
As an adult, Moses witnesses an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave and kills the Egyptian in defense. When his actions become known, Moses flees Egypt to escape Pharaoh’s wrath and settles in Midian (v. 11-17). While sitting by a well, Moses rescues the seven daughters of Reuel, the priest of Midian, from oppressive shepherds. He then waters their flock, and when Reuel hears of Moses’ actions, he gives his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage. They have a son and name him Gershom, saying, “I have become a foreigner in a foreign land” (v. 22).
Meanwhile, the king of Egypt has died, and the Israelites cry out for help because of their slavery. Their cries for deliverance reach God. He remembers His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and prepares to act on their behalf, setting the stage for Moses’ calling and Israel’s deliverance (v. 23-25).
God’s rescue doesn’t always happen when we expect or want it. He had promised to deliver the Hebrew slaves from Egypt, but the people waited for what felt like an eternity for that promise to be fulfilled. God, however, acted at exactly the right moment, according to His perfect timing. In the same way, God knows the best time to intervene in our lives. If you feel like God has forgotten you in the midst of your struggles, remember that His timing is different from ours, and His plans are always for our good, even when we can’t see them yet.
Exodus 3 introduces Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush. While tending his father-in-law Jethro’s (also referred to as Reuel) flock in the wilderness near Mount Horeb, Moses notices a bush that is on fire but not burning up. Curious, he approaches, and God calls out to him from the bush, commanding him to take off his sandals because he is standing on holy ground (v. 1-5). God reveals Himself to Moses as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and tells Moses that He has seen the suffering of His people in Egypt and has come to deliver them. God commissions Moses to go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses is initially reluctant and questions how he, a simple shepherd, can go before Pharaoh. God assures Moses that He will be with him and gives him a sign and a detailed plan for how the Israelites will be freed. God encourages Moses to trust in His power and promises, even though the task ahead seems daunting (v. 7-22).
God’s call to Moses reminds us that He often works through imperfect, ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. When God calls us, He equips us and goes with us. Like Moses, we may feel unworthy or unequipped, but God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. He doesn’t call us to rely on our own abilities but on His power and presence.
Overall, Exodus 1-3 shows the powerful beginning of God’s plan to deliver the Israelites from Egypt and fulfill His covenant promises. Through the oppression in Egypt and Moses’ reluctant call, we see God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and readiness to act on behalf of His people. These chapters remind us that even in the darkest moments, God is at work, preparing a way for salvation. Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush is a pivotal moment, showing that God is not distant but actively involved in the lives of His people.
The journey that begins here leads to Israel’s miraculous deliverance, and these chapters challenge us to trust in God’s timing, His plan, and His ability to bring about redemption. From Moses’ rescue to his exile in Midian, God is preparing him for the role he will play in delivering Israel. Just as He preserved Moses for a greater purpose, He is guiding our steps and shaping us for His plans. As we reflect on Exodus 1–3, may we be encouraged by God’s faithfulness, emboldened to step out in obedience, and inspired to trust Him in every season of life. He is the God who sees, hears, and delivers!
Well said! I really like how the devotion combines history, relevance and application. Put into practice what we learn through faith.