1. Exodus 1:6–7 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What is the function of 1:6–7?

Exodus 1:6–7 (ESV)

6 Then Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation.

These verses form a bridge from the time of Jacob and his sons to the time of the new king introduced in Exodus 1:8. The first generation has completely died, as emphasized by the repetition of the word all. Yet Israel as a whole has not died with them. On the contrary, their population has increased to the point that the new king views them as a threat.