And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him. And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. (Genesis 15:12-14)
Long before Israel arrived in Egypt, God revealed to Abram that a time would come when his descendants would be enslaved in a foreign land. However, God also stated that the nation that enslaved them would face judgment. Israel was not always in bondage in Egypt. Initially, Egypt was a place of refuge and blessing due to Joseph’s favor with Pharaoh. The people of Israel escaped famine and multiplied greatly in Egypt.
However, their time in Egypt was meant to be temporary. The people of God grew so complacent and comfortable that they allowed it to become a permanent home. They began to adopt the lifestyle of the Egyptians and drifted away from following God's laws. They started participating in Egyptian ceremonies and similar practices. Now, God is a jealous God. He is long-suffering, patient, and merciful, but if His people choose to turn away from His instructions, there will be consequences.
The people of Israel forgot what God had told them and embraced Egyptian ways. Then, things changed. Joseph died, the Pharaoh who knew and respected Joseph also died, and a new Pharaoh, unfamiliar with Joseph, rose to power. The number of Israelites in his land became a threat, prompting him to enslave the people. But here’s the good news—God did not abandon them in bondage. He raised a deliverer from within Pharaoh’s household—Moses. God displayed miracles, signs, and wonders to set His people free. In doing so, He fulfilled His promise to Abram that Israel would leave Egypt with great prosperity.
Practical Application
Compromise and complacency can lead to bondage. When we do not follow God’s instructions, He will give us time to repent, but there will always be consequences for refusing to obey. Do not allow the world to dictate what to think and how to act. God is a jealous God, and He wants all of you.