Exodus 1:10 - Come, let us deal wisely with them, lest they multiply, and it happen that when any war breaks out, they also join themselves to our enemies, and fight against us, and escape out of the land.”
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What does "Exodus 1:10" mean?
This verse, Exodus 1:10, reveals the fear and paranoia of the new Pharaoh regarding the Israelites in Egypt. Let's break down what it means:
"Come, let us deal wisely with them...": This is Pharaoh gathering his advisors, proposing a strategic (though ultimately oppressive) plan to manage the perceived threat of the Israelites. The word "wisely" here is ironic, as the plan is based on fear and leads to injustice.
"...lest they multiply...": The primary concern is the burgeoning Israelite population. They are becoming numerous, which Pharaoh sees as a potential problem.
"...and it happen that when any war breaks out, they also join themselves to our enemies...": This is the core of the fear. Pharaoh anticipates a hypothetical war. He believes the Israelites, if disaffected and numerous, might side with Egypt's enemies. The "they" indicates that this is a possibility.
"...and fight against us, and escape out of the land.”: This completes the potential scenario. The Israelites, siding with the enemy, would fight against Egypt and then, once the opportunity arose, flee the country en masse, leaving Egypt weakened.
In essence, the verse expresses Pharaoh's fear that the growing Israelite population could become a fifth column – an internal threat that could betray Egypt in a time of war and ultimately leave the land.
Here's the underlying message:
Fear of the Other: The verse highlights how fear of a minority group can lead to oppression. Pharaoh's paranoia, based on the potential for disloyalty, drives his decision-making.
Political Strategy: The verse shows a political calculation. Pharaoh believes a proactive measure is needed to prevent a future crisis.
Loss of Control: The Pharaoh's fear stems from a perceived loss of control over a growing population that he does not fully integrate into Egyptian society.
The verse sets the stage for the subsequent enslavement and oppression of the Israelites, all stemming from this fear of their potential disloyalty and power.
Exodus 1:10 - Come, let us deal wisely with them, lest they multiply, and it happen that when any war breaks out, they also join themselves to our enemies, and fight against us, and escape out of the land.”
What does "Exodus 1:10" mean?
This verse, Exodus 1:10, reveals the fear and paranoia of the new Pharaoh regarding the Israelites in Egypt. Let's break down what it means:
"Come, let us deal wisely with them...": This is Pharaoh gathering his advisors, proposing a strategic (though ultimately oppressive) plan to manage the perceived threat of the Israelites. The word "wisely" here is ironic, as the plan is based on fear and leads to injustice.
"...lest they multiply...": The primary concern is the burgeoning Israelite population. They are becoming numerous, which Pharaoh sees as a potential problem.
"...and it happen that when any war breaks out, they also join themselves to our enemies...": This is the core of the fear. Pharaoh anticipates a hypothetical war. He believes the Israelites, if disaffected and numerous, might side with Egypt's enemies. The "they" indicates that this is a possibility.
"...and fight against us, and escape out of the land.”: This completes the potential scenario. The Israelites, siding with the enemy, would fight against Egypt and then, once the opportunity arose, flee the country en masse, leaving Egypt weakened.
In essence, the verse expresses Pharaoh's fear that the growing Israelite population could become a fifth column – an internal threat that could betray Egypt in a time of war and ultimately leave the land.
Here's the underlying message:
Fear of the Other: The verse highlights how fear of a minority group can lead to oppression. Pharaoh's paranoia, based on the potential for disloyalty, drives his decision-making.
Political Strategy: The verse shows a political calculation. Pharaoh believes a proactive measure is needed to prevent a future crisis.
Loss of Control: The Pharaoh's fear stems from a perceived loss of control over a growing population that he does not fully integrate into Egyptian society.
The verse sets the stage for the subsequent enslavement and oppression of the Israelites, all stemming from this fear of their potential disloyalty and power.