Acts 7:15-19·~1 min

Israel Oppressed in Egypt

Jacob goes down to Egypt, and there he and the fathers die. Their bones are later carried back to Shechem and placed in the tomb bought there for silver.

S¹⁵o Jacob went down to Egypt, where he and our fathers died. ¹⁶Their bones were carried back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a price he paid in silver.

As the time for God's promise to Abraham draws near, the people in Egypt grow greatly in number. Then a new king arises who does not know Joseph and oppresses the fathers by forcing their infants to be abandoned.

¹⁷As the time drew near for God to fulfill His promise to Abraham, our people in Egypt increased greatly in number. ¹⁸Then another king, who knew nothing of Joseph, arose over Egypt. ¹⁹He exploited our people and oppressed our fathers, forcing them to abandon their infants so they would die.

Section summaryStephen moves from Jacob's descent into Egypt to burial, multiplication, and oppression. As the time of God's promise draws near, the people increase greatly, but a new king who knows nothing of Joseph exploits them and forces their infants toward death.

Role in the chapterThis short movement connects Joseph's preservation to Israel's later affliction. Stephen keeps the promise in view while showing how quickly human power turns against the very people God is preparing to deliver.