Exodus 1:6
Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died,
Now Joseph
Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, played a pivotal role in the history of Israel. Sold into slavery by his brothers, he rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt. His life is a testament to God's providence and sovereignty, as he was used to preserve the lineage of Israel during a severe famine. Joseph is often seen as a type of Christ, as he was betrayed by his own, suffered unjustly, and ultimately became a savior to his people.

and all his brothers
Joseph's brothers, the sons of Jacob, are the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. Their actions, including selling Joseph into slavery, set the stage for the Israelites' eventual settlement in Egypt. This phrase marks the end of an era, as the original family of Israel passes away, setting the stage for the growth of the nation in a foreign land. The brothers' reconciliation with Joseph is a powerful story of forgiveness and redemption.

and all that generation died
This phrase signifies a significant transition in the narrative of the Israelites. The death of Joseph and his brothers marks the end of the patriarchal period and the beginning of a new chapter in Israel's history. It sets the stage for the Israelites' multiplication and eventual enslavement in Egypt, as described in the following verses. This transition also highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would be strangers in a land not their own, where they would be enslaved and mistreated for 400 years (Genesis 15:13). The passing of this generation underscores the continuity of God's plan and the unfolding of His covenant promises.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joseph
The favored son of Jacob, who rose to power in Egypt and saved his family from famine. His death marks the end of an era for the Israelites in Egypt.

2. Joseph's Brothers
The sons of Jacob who initially sold Joseph into slavery but later reconciled with him. Their deaths signify the passing of the patriarchal generation.

3. All That Generation
Refers to the entire generation of Israelites who lived during Joseph's time. Their passing sets the stage for the new developments in Israel's history in Egypt.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites resided after Joseph brought his family there. It becomes the setting for their eventual enslavement and the backdrop for the Exodus account.

5. Israelites
The descendants of Jacob (Israel), who were initially welcomed in Egypt but later became enslaved, leading to their cry for deliverance.
Teaching Points
The Transience of Life
The death of Joseph and his brothers reminds us of the brevity of life and the importance of leaving a legacy of faith.

Generational Shifts
As one generation passes, another rises. This transition calls for the faithful transmission of God's promises and teachings to the next generation.

God's Sovereignty in History
Despite the death of key figures, God's plan continues. We can trust in His sovereignty over the unfolding of history.

Faith in God's Promises
Joseph's life and death exemplify a steadfast faith in God's promises, encouraging us to hold onto God's Word even when circumstances change.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the death of Joseph and his brothers set the stage for the events that follow in the book of Exodus?

2. In what ways can we ensure that the faith and values of one generation are effectively passed on to the next?

3. How does the concept of God's sovereignty provide comfort and assurance in times of transition or uncertainty?

4. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's promises despite not seeing immediate results. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

5. How can the legacy of Joseph's faith inspire us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on God's promises rather than our present circumstances?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 50
Provides the context of Joseph's death and his instructions regarding his bones, highlighting his faith in God's promises.

Acts 7
Stephen's speech recounts the history of Israel, including Joseph's role in Egypt, emphasizing God's faithfulness through generations.

Hebrews 11
Mentions Joseph's faith, particularly his instructions about his bones, as an example of trust in God's promises.
An EndingJ. Orr Exodus 1:6
DeathJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 1:6
Death AdmonitoryJ. Spencer.Exodus 1:6
Death and GrowthAlexander MaclarenExodus 1:6
Death Common to AllH. O. Mackey.Exodus 1:6
Death Levels All DistinctionsCawdray.Exodus 1:6
Death's Disciplinary PowerJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 1:6
Death's ImpartialityArchbp. Seeker.Exodus 1:6
Meditate on DeathExodus 1:6
The Death of a Whole FamilyU. R. Thomas.Exodus 1:6
The Universal CharacteristicR. S. Candlish, D. D.Exodus 1:6
The Twelve FoundationsJ. Orr Exodus 1:1-6
Tarry Thou the Lord's LeisureG.A. Goodhart Exodus 1:1-7
The Prosperity of IsraelD. Young Exodus 1:1-22
People
Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Egyptians, Gad, Israelites, Issachar, Jacob, Joseph, Levi, Naphtali, Pharaoh, Puah, Reuben, Shiphrah, Simeon, Zebulun
Places
Egypt, Nile River, Pithom, Ramses
Topics
Brethren, Brothers, Died, Dieth, Generation, Joseph
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 1:6

     5694   generation

Exodus 1:1-7

     7266   tribes of Israel

Exodus 1:6-7

     1335   blessing

Exodus 1:6-12

     6703   peace, divine OT

Library
Four Shaping Centuries
'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
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Death and Growth
'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....'--EXODUS i. 6, 7. These remarkable words occur in a short section which makes the link between the Books of Genesis and of Exodus. The writer recapitulates the list of the immigrants into Egypt, in the household of Jacob, and then, as it were, having got them there, he clears the stage to prepare for a new set of actors.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Prosperity under Persecution
Of this general principle we shall now proceed to consider three special illustrations. First, the circumstances of the children of Israel; secondly, the history of the church of Christ; thirdly, the experience of individual Christians. I. IN THE CASE OF ISRAEL, it did seem to be a deep-laid plot, very politic and crafty indeed, that as the kings of Egypt, themselves of an alien race, had subdued the Egyptians, they should prevent the other alien race, the Israelites, from conquering them. Instead
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

But, as for that which is Written, that God did Good to the Hebrew...
32. But, as for that which is written, that God did good to the Hebrew midwives, and to Rahab the harlot of Jericho, [2444] this was not because they lied, but because they were merciful to God's people. That therefore which was rewarded in them was, not their deceit, but their benevolence; benignity of mind, not iniquity of lying. [2445] For, as it would not be marvellous and absurd if God on account of good works after done by them should be willing to forgive some evil works at another time before
St. Augustine—Against Lying

There is a Great Question About Lying, which Often Arises in the Midst Of...
1. There is a great question about Lying, which often arises in the midst of our every day business, and gives us much trouble, that we may not either rashly call that a lie which is not such, or decide that it is sometimes right to tell a lie, that is, a kind of honest, well-meant, charitable lie. This question we will painfully discuss by seeking with them that seek: whether to any good purpose, we need not take upon ourselves to affirm, for the attentive reader will sufficiently gather from the
St. Augustine—On Lying

The Secret of Its Greatness
[Illustration: (drop cap G) The Great Pyramid] God always chooses the right kind of people to do His work. Not only so, He always gives to those whom He chooses just the sort of life which will best prepare them for the work He will one day call them to do. That is why God put it into the heart of Pharaoh's daughter to bring up Moses as her own son in the Egyptian palace. The most important part of Moses' training was that his heart should be right with God, and therefore he was allowed to remain
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

The Wisdom of God
The next attribute is God's wisdom, which is one of the brightest beams of the Godhead. He is wise in heart.' Job 9:9. The heart is the seat of wisdom. Cor in Hebraeo sumitur pro judicio. Pineda. Among the Hebrews, the heart is put for wisdom.' Let men of understanding tell me:' Job 34:44: in the Hebrew, Let men of heart tell me.' God is wise in heart, that is, he is most wise. God only is wise; he solely and wholly possesses all wisdom; therefore he is called, the only wise God.' I Tim 1:17. All
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
BY A.E. GRIMKE. "Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not within thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place: but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this. And Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer:--and so will I go in unto the king,
Angelina Emily Grimke—An Appeal to the Christian Women of the South

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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