Faith & Reason Nexus

When Did These Events Take Place?

Following the timeline used in our Genesis study, Jacob and his family moved from Canaan to Egypt around 1706 B.C.

After Joseph’s death, a new period began for Jacob’s descendants. Around 1635 B.C., the Israelites eventually came under Egyptian slavery. The people who had once entered Egypt as a family had now grown into a large nation.

Who Are the Main People?

The Sons of Jacob

The twelve sons of Jacob are mentioned at the beginning of Exodus because they became the fathers of the twelve tribes of Israel. Their descendants would form the nation of Israel.

The Israelites — or Hebrews

The terms Israelites and Hebrews refer to the descendants of Jacob. What began with one family had multiplied into a large community living in Egypt.

Their remarkable growth became a source of fear for the Egyptians.

Pharaoh

Pharaoh was the king of Egypt. Seeing the Israelites increasing in number, he became afraid that they might eventually become a threat to Egypt.

He responded with oppression and cruel measures designed to control their population.

Shiphrah and Puah

Shiphrah and Puah were Hebrew midwives who were given a horrifying command by Pharaoh: to kill the newborn Israelite boys.

But they refused to obey the king because they feared God. Their courage became an important part of the opening story of Exodus.

Where Does Exodus Begin?

The opening events of Exodus take place in Egypt. Although the chapter does not identify a specific city as its main setting, the Israelites were living in the region of Goshen.

The story therefore continues the journey that began in Genesis. Jacob’s family had entered Egypt during Joseph’s lifetime, but generations later, their descendants found themselves facing oppression and slavery.

The Beginning of a New Chapter

Exodus begins with a striking change in Israel’s story.

The family that once entered Egypt seeking survival during a famine had grown into a great people. But their growth brought fear to a new Pharaoh who did not remember Joseph.

What follows is not simply a story about slavery. It is the beginning of a powerful account of God’s faithfulness, deliverance, courage, and covenant promises.

Even when God’s people seemed powerless, God’s plan was already moving forward.