Old Testament
Exodus 1:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
We need to deal with them carefully. If they keep growing and a war breaks out, they might side with our enemies, fight against us, and escape from the country."
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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.
What Exodus 1:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the leaders of Egypt are expressing their concern about the growing population of the Israelites. They fear that if the Israelites continue to multiply, they could become a threat during times of conflict. The leaders worry that these people might join forces with their enemies and fight against them, potentially leading to their escape from Egypt. This fear drives them to consider how to manage the situation carefully. They want to ensure that they maintain control and prevent any uprising. The leaders are thinking strategically, trying to protect their power and position. This moment highlights the tension between the Egyptians and the Israelites, setting the stage for the struggles that will follow. It reflects how fear can lead to oppressive actions against others, especially when power dynamics are at play. The leaders' desire to maintain their authority reveals a deeper issue of insecurity and the lengths they will go to preserve their status. This situation serves as a reminder of the consequences of fear and the importance of compassion over control.
How to apply Exodus 1:10 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on how fear can influence our decisions and actions. Instead of allowing fear to drive us to control or oppress others, we should seek understanding and compassion. By fostering relationships based on trust, we can create a more harmonious environment for everyone involved. Remember, fear can lead to harmful choices that affect many lives. Choose empathy over fear in your interactions with others.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
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Moses
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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Keep studying Exodus 1:10
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At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 1:10 mean?
Exodus 1:10 expresses the fear of the Egyptian leaders regarding the growing population of the Israelites. They worry that if the Israelites continue to multiply, they could become a threat during conflicts, potentially siding with Egypt's enemies.
What is the significance of the phrase 'deal wisely' in Exodus 1:10?
The phrase 'deal wisely' in Exodus 1:10 indicates the strategic thinking of the Egyptian leaders. They are considering careful measures to control the Israelite population to prevent any potential uprising or alliance with enemies.
How does Exodus 1:10 reflect power dynamics?
Exodus 1:10 reflects power dynamics by showing how fear of losing authority can lead to oppressive actions. The Egyptian leaders' concerns about the Israelites' growth reveal their insecurity and willingness to take drastic measures to maintain their dominance.
What themes are present in Exodus 1:10?
Key themes in Exodus 1:10 include fear of loss, oppression, power dynamics, and conflict. The verse illustrates how fear can drive leaders to make harmful decisions that affect others.
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