The Bitter Lives
Exodus 1:7-22
And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty…


I. GOD'S BLESSING MAKES FRUITFUL

1. The promise to Abraham (Genesis 17:2-8).

2. The number of the Israelites in Egypt (vers. 9, 10).

II. Note the MISTAKES COMMITTED THROUGH PREJUDICE.

1. The Egyptians hated and spurned the Israelites; therefore, ultimately, lost the blessing of their presence.

2. Statesmanship fails in placing policy before principle.

3. Cruelty begot enmity; kindness would have won.

III. SELFISHNESS SOON FORGETS PAST FAVOURS. A new ruler disregarded the claims of Joseph's seed. This world works for present and prospective favours.

IV. Here is A TYPE OF THE GROWTH OF SIN. The Israelites came into the best part of Egypt; first pleasant, then doubtful, then oppressed, then finally enslaved.

1. Sin yields bitter fruit.

2. We have taskmasters in our habit.

3. Life becomes a burden: sorrows of servitude.

V. Note the REASON FOR THIS AFFLICTION.

1. They were becoming idolatrous (Joshua 24:14; Ezekiel 20:5-8).

2. Bitterness now would help to prevent return to Egypt.

3. We sometimes find sorrow here that we may look above.

VI. GOD'S FAVOUR HERE CONTRASTED WITH MAN'S OPPOSITION. Pharaoh failed; the Israelities multiplied.

VII. AFFLICTION HELPS US.

1. As afflicted, so they grew.

2. Christ purgeth us for more fruit.

3. Self-denial is the path to power.

(Dr. Fowler.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.

WEB: The children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them.




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