The fertility of Jacob’s descendants forms a sharp contrast with the earlier patriarchal generations who often struggled with barrenness (see Genesis 11:30; Genesis 25:21; Genesis 29:32). This newfound fertility was the fulfilment of God’s promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:2; Genesis 15:5; Genesis 17:2–6; Genesis 22:17), Isaac (Genesis 26:3–4, Genesis 26:24), and Jacob (Genesis 35:11; see also Genesis 28:3). In several cases, the same words are used in these promises as in Exodus 1:
Genesis 17:2 – “And may multiply you greatly.”
Genesis 17:6 – “I will make you exceedingly fruitful.”
Genesis 22:17 – “I will surely multiply your offspring.”
Genesis 26:4 – “I will multiply your offspring.”
Genesis 28:3 – “God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you.”
Genesis 35:11 – “Be fruitful and multiply.”
The same verbs were used earlier in Genesis as well, in God’s original blessing on mankind and in his renewal of this blessing after the flood:
Genesis 1:28 – “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.”
Genesis 9:1 – “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.”
Genesis 9:7 – “be fruitful and multiply, increase greatly [literally, swarm] on the earth and multiply in it.”
In Exodus 1:7, these promises have become a reality. Thus, there is a thread from the creation and God’s original intent for mankind through to the people of Israel in Egypt. After man fell into sin, God did not abandon his purpose for mankind. With Noah, God had worked a fresh start for mankind and renewed his blessing. And now God’s purpose for mankind is becoming a reality, in an initial and small way, with the people of Israel. They do not fill the whole earth but they do fill the land of Goshen. In this we see that God will work out the salvation of the world through the people of Israel. Salvation is indeed from the Jews (John 4:22; Romans 1:16).
7 But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.