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Psalm 41:1,2
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Blessedis he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble…

Psalm 61:5
For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast givenme the heritage of those that fear thy name.

Psalm 85:9
Surely his salvationis nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.

the people.

Exodus 1:7,12
And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them…

and the people multiplied
This phrase underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham inGenesis 12:2, where God promised to make Abraham's descendants into a great nation. Despite the oppression and harsh conditions imposed by the Egyptians, the Israelites continued to grow in number, demonstrating God's sovereign power and faithfulness to His covenant. This multiplication of the Israelites is a testament to God's providence and His ability to bring about His purposes even in adverse circumstances.

and became even more numerous
The increasing number of Israelites despite Pharaoh's attempts to suppress them highlights the futility of opposing God's plans. This mirrors the promise inGenesis 15:5, where God tells Abraham that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars. The growth of the Israelite population sets the stage for the Exodus, where God will deliver His people from bondage, foreshadowing the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ. This phrase also reflects the biblical theme of God using the weak and oppressed to accomplish His purposes, as seen in1 Corinthians 1:27, "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong."

• God’s response is personal and immediate. He “was good” (Exodus 1:20), showing that He actively rewards those who fear Him, just as He promises in1 Samuel 2:30 andHebrews 6:10.

• The goodness takes tangible form. Verse 21 explains that He “gave them families,” echoingProverbs 11:17, “A kind man benefits himself.” Their courageous refusal to kill Hebrew babies (Exodus 1:17) leads to blessing, illustratingPsalm 34:15—“The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous.”

• God’s character shines through: He is just and compassionate, defending life (Psalm 146:9) and honoring those who defend it.

• Despite Pharaoh’s oppression, the Israelites flourish, fulfilling God’s covenant promise to Abraham inGenesis 12:2 and 22:17.

• Oppression becomes the catalyst for growth, anticipating the principle later voiced inActs 5:39—“If it is from God, you will not be able to stop them.”

• Their multiplication underscores God’s sovereignty; human schemes cannot thwart divine intent (Job 42:2).

• The wording piles on emphasis. LikeGenesis 15:5, where Abraham’s descendants are likened to the stars, God’s people overflow beyond natural expectation.

•Exodus 1:7 had already noted their increase; verse 20 shows that growth continued after the midwives’ faithful stand, pointing toDeuteronomy 26:5’s description of Israel as “few… but there he became a nation, great, mighty, and numerous.”

• Stephen later testifies to this surge inActs 7:17, affirming that God “increased the people and multiplied them.” The pattern is clear: divine promise produces exponential results.

God honors those who fear Him, turning their obedience into blessing. The midwives’ courage invites God’s goodness, and His covenant faithfulness causes Israel to flourish beyond human control.Exodus 1:20 showcases a timeless truth: when God’s people trust Him and value life, He responds with favor and unstoppable growth.