Then a new kingThis phrase introduces a significant transition in the narrative of Israel's history in Egypt. The "new king" signifies a change in leadership and policy. Historically, this may refer to a shift in dynasties, possibly the rise of the Hyksos or a native Egyptian dynasty that sought to reassert control. This change marks the beginning of Israel's oppression, setting the stage for the Exodus. Theologically, it underscores the theme of God's sovereignty over political changes and His unfolding plan for His people.
who did not know Joseph
Joseph, once a prominent figure in Egypt, had saved the nation from famine and was highly esteemed. The phrase "did not know Joseph" suggests a deliberate disregard for his contributions and the covenantal relationship between Joseph's family and Egypt. This ignorance or willful neglect leads to the Israelites' enslavement. It highlights the transient nature of human favor and the importance of remembering God's past deliverances. This forgetfulness contrasts with God's faithfulness and serves as a warning against neglecting God's works and people.
came to power in Egypt
The rise to power of this new king in Egypt marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative. Egypt, a powerful and influential nation, becomes the setting for Israel's suffering and eventual deliverance. This phrase emphasizes the geopolitical context of the time, where Egypt was a dominant force in the ancient Near East. Theologically, it sets the stage for God's demonstration of His power over the mightiest empire of the time, foreshadowing the plagues and the Exodus. It also prefigures Christ's ultimate victory over sin and death, as God delivers His people from bondage.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
New King of EgyptThis refers to a Pharaoh who ascended to the throne and did not have any regard or knowledge of Joseph's contributions to Egypt. His lack of awareness or acknowledgment of Joseph's legacy sets the stage for the Israelites' oppression.
2.
JosephJoseph was a Hebrew who rose to prominence in Egypt, becoming second in command to Pharaoh. His leadership during a time of famine saved Egypt and surrounding nations, including his own family, the Israelites.
3.
EgyptA powerful ancient civilization where the Israelites lived and prospered during Joseph's time. However, with the rise of the new king, Egypt becomes a place of bondage for the Israelites.
4.
IsraelitesThe descendants of Jacob (Israel) who initially found favor in Egypt due to Joseph's position but later became enslaved under the new Pharaoh's rule.
5.
Transition of PowerThe change in leadership marks a significant shift in the Israelites' circumstances, from favor to oppression, highlighting the impermanence of political alliances and human favor.
Teaching Points
The Impermanence of Human FavorHuman favor is fleeting and can change with new leadership or circumstances. Our ultimate trust should be in God's unchanging nature rather than in human institutions or leaders.
The Importance of Remembering HistoryThe new king's ignorance of Joseph's contributions underscores the importance of remembering and honoring the past. As believers, we should be diligent in remembering God's faithfulness throughout history.
God's Sovereignty in Changing TimesEven when circumstances change and seem unfavorable, God remains sovereign. He can use difficult situations to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the eventual deliverance of the Israelites.
The Role of LeadershipLeadership can significantly impact the lives of people. As Christians, we should pray for our leaders and seek to influence our communities positively, remembering that leadership is a stewardship from God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 1:8?
2.How did the new king's ignorance of Joseph affect Israel's situation in Egypt?
3.What lessons can we learn about leadership from Exodus 1:8?
4.How does Exodus 1:8 connect to God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 15:13?
5.How can we ensure our leaders remember God's past works in our lives?
6.What steps can we take to preserve our spiritual heritage for future generations?
7.How did a new king arise who did not know Joseph in Exodus 1:8?
8.What historical evidence supports the existence of a new king in Exodus 1:8?
9.Why is the ignorance of Joseph significant in Exodus 1:8?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 1?
11.What did Moses mean by "Let my people go"?
12.What does the ankh symbol represent?
13.What role did Egyptians play in biblical narratives?
14.What evidence supports the historical occurrence of the Exodus?What Does Exodus 1:8 Mean
Then– The single word “Then” anchors the verse in real history, linking the closing scenes of Genesis to the opening crisis of Exodus (Genesis 50:24-26).
– God’s people had enjoyed favor for generations, but time passed (Exodus 12:40).
–Acts 7:17-18 points out that God’s promise to Abraham was moving toward fulfillment “as the time drew near,” reminding us that divine promises unfold on a precise timetable even when circumstances shift.
A new king– Scripture states plainly that an actual monarch, not a mere legend or symbol, arose (Daniel 2:21;Proverbs 21:1).
– A change in dynasty explains the sudden policy reversal toward Israel. Political upheaval never catches God off guard; He raises leaders and removes them to advance His redemptive plan.
Who did not know Joseph– “Did not know” means more than lack of information; it signals deliberate disregard.Psalm 105:23-25 notes that God “turned their hearts to hate His people.”
– Joseph’s lifesaving service (Genesis 41:41-44) was wiped from the royal memory banks, similar toJudges 2:10 where a generation arose that “did not know the LORD.”
–Acts 7:18 echoes the phrasing, showing that Stephen read this ignorance as intentional rejection, not innocent forgetfulness.
Came to power in Egypt– The throne of Egypt was the most powerful on earth, yetExodus 1:9-10 reveals fear-driven policy: oppression, enslavement, infanticide.
– God had foretold this four centuries earlier (Genesis 15:13). The very setting of Israel’s suffering would become the stage for God’s salvation (Exodus 3:7-8).
– What seemed like a political catastrophe actually positioned Israel for future deliverance, illustratingRomans 8:28 in historical form.
summaryExodus 1:8 marks a sharp turn in Israel’s story. A chronological marker (“Then”), a regime change (“a new king”), intentional forgetfulness (“who did not know Joseph”), and the political location (“came to power in Egypt”) combine to show how quickly favor can flip to hostility—yet every detail unfolds under God’s sovereign hand, setting the scene for the exodus and revealing that no earthly throne can thwart His covenant purposes.
(8)
There arose up a new king.--A king of a new dynasty might seem to be intended. Some suppose him to be Aahmes I., the founder of the eighteenth dynasty of Manetho; others suggest Rameses II., one of the greatest monarchs of the nineteenth. The present writer inclines to regard him as Seti I., the father of this Rameses, and the son of Rameses I. Seti, though not the actual founder of the nineteenth dynasty, was the originator of its greatness. (See Excursus I. "On Egyptian History, as connected with the Book of Exodus," at the end of this Book.)
Which knew not Joseph.--It seems to be implied that, for some considerable time after his death, the memory of the benefits conferred by Joseph upon Egypt had protected his kinsfolk. But, in the shifts and changes incident to politics--especially to Oriental politics--this condition of things had passed away. The "new king" felt under no obligation to him, perhaps was even ignorant of his name. He viewed the political situation apart from all personal predilections, and saw a danger in it.
Verse 8. -
There arose up a new king. It is asked, Does this mean merely another king, or a
completely different king, one of a new dynasty or a new family, not bound by precedent, but free to adopt and likely to adopt quite new principles of government? The latter seems the more probable supposition; but it is probable only, not certain. Assuming it to be what is really meant, we have to ask, What changes of dynasty fall within the probable period of the Israelite sojourn in Egypt, and to which of them is it most likely that allusion is here made? Some writers (as Kalisch) have supposed the Hyksos dynasty to be meant, and the "new king" to be Set, or Salatis, the first of the Hyksos rulers. But the date of Salatis appears to us too early. If Joseph was, as we suppose, the minister of Apophis, the last Hyksos king, two changes of dynasty only can come into consideration - that which took place about
B.C. 1700 (or, according to some,
B.C. 1600), when the Hyksos were expelled; and that which followed about three centuries later, when the eighteenth dynasty was superseded by the nineteenth. To us it seems that the former of these occasions, though in many respects suitable, is
(a) too near the going down into Egypt to allow time for the multiplication which evidently took place before this king arose (see ver. 7), and
(b) unsuitable from the circumstance that the first king of this dynasty was not a builder of new cities (see ver. 11), but only a repairer of temples. We therefore conclude that the "new king" was either Rameses I., the founder of the nineteenth dynasty, or Seti I., his son, who within little more than a year succeeded him. It is evident that this view receives much confirmation from the name of one of the cities built for the king by the Hebrews, which was Raamses, or Rameses, a name now appearing for the first time in the Egyptian dynastic lists.Who knew not Joseph. Who not only had no personal know]edge of Joseph, but was wholly ignorant of his history. At the distance of from two to three centuries the benefits conferred by Joseph upon Egypt, more especially as they were conferred under a foreign and hated dynasty, were forgotten.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Then a newחָדָ֖שׁ(ḥā·ḏāš)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2319:Newking,מֶֽלֶךְ־(me·leḵ-)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingwhoאֲשֶׁ֥ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatknewיָדַ֖ע(yā·ḏa‘)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3045:To knownothingלֹֽא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noof Joseph,יוֹסֵֽף׃(yō·w·sêp̄)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3130:Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelitescame to powerוַיָּ֥קָם(way·yā·qām)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965:To arise, stand up, standinעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstEgypt.מִצְרָ֑יִם(miṣ·rā·yim)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714:Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa
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OT Law: Exodus 1:8 Now there arose a new king over (Exo. Ex) 
