February 9, 2023
Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. Exodus 1:11-12
Are you afflicted? Do you have troubles you’re dealing with? For the Hebrews, affliction began when they were taken out of their fields and forced into grievous labor. It became clear their cruel taskmasters cared not for their physical, emotional, or spiritual well-being. It may have come as a surprise for the Jews to be mistreated in such a manner. The land where they had found refuge quickly turned into a place of bitter bondage. The new Pharaoh’s plan was to eliminate the Jewish people. His plan failed. Instead of declining, the Hebrew population continued to grow.
Eventually the Egyptians enslaved the Jews, making life miserable for God’s people. Slavery is inhumane and a reminder of how wicked man’s sinful nature truly is. The Hebrews labored in hard bondage where they found no peace of mind, comfort, or contentment. Days were spent building cities with bricks and working in the fields under the hot sun. Life was miserable. Here are some of Pharaoh’s hoped-for results.
- Discouraged – Pharaoh hoped their spirits would be broken.
- Disgruntled – Pharaoh hoped they would complain about their problems, creating contention and discord.
- Destroyed – Pharaoh hoped to ruin and shorten their lives.
- Diminished – Pharaoh hoped their numbers would drastically drop.
But it didn’t go as planned. Not only did the Hebrews remain, but their numbers multiplied. The Egyptian king found himself in a losing battle against God. The worldly monarch had no chance of success. He discovered that it was impossible to eliminate God’s people. But his failure went beyond that day. Affliction made the land of Egypt less desirable to God’s people. Pharaoh gave the Jews a reason to leave the land, which was also part of God’s plan.
As for affliction, it can produce great blessings. The faith of the afflicted is strengthened as they look to God. Difficulties build character and make us better people. They also prepare us for future trials so we are better suited to serve the LORD.
It’s not enjoyable to be afflicted, but the spiritual growth produced during troubling times is a blessing. When afflicted, trust that God has a purpose for the difficulties in your life and patiently endure.