Israel’s growth in the face of oppression is not to be attributed to mere earthly reasons, such as Israel’s character or hardiness, but to the work of God. Just as he was the source of their initial growth (see comment on Exodus 1:6–7), so he continues to bless Israel despite their persecution. His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob cannot be thwarted even by the might of Egypt. As such, God’s triumph over Egypt’s oppressive policies foreshadows his final triumph over Egypt in the plagues and Red Sea crossing.
Moreover, God is using persecution to set the Israelites apart from Egyptians. While they enjoyed Egypt’s favor, they could easily integrate into Egyptian society (including Egypt’s religious life). But now they are slaves dreaded by their Egyptian neighbors. And God, who is able to turn evil to good, uses this to form the identity of Israel as a distinct nation and so to prepare his people for deliverance.
12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel.