In Exodus chapter one, verse seven, God promises that the Israelites would multiply abundantly from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, grow to such a magnitude that they numbered about six hundred thousand men besides women and children. In contrast with the first generation of Jacob’s family, which numbered seventy people, the Israelites were now “fruitful and increased greatly.” The continuation of God’s command to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Joseph would be used to bring the sons of Jacob to Egypt, where they would become a nation. Moses would then be the man God would use to deliver them back to the land He had promised to give to Abraham and his descendants forever.
In Genesis chapter twelve, verse two, God told Abram (which was his name at the time) that He would make him a great nation, bless him, and make his name great. How did Abram respond to the Word of God? Obedience. Abram obeyed the instruction of the Lord and walked according to it. He journeyed in the direction God made for him to go.
At the beginning of chapter seventeen, Abram, at ninety-nine years old, God told him to walk before Him and be perfect. God said He would make a covenant with him and multiply him exceedingly. The Lord added that He would make Abram fruitful and make nations out of him. Abram had to live righteously before God to fulfill His promises which required obedience. When God did, He responds in chapter twenty-two, verse seventeen, by multiplying his seed as the stars in heaven and the sand upon the seashore.
In Genesis chapter forty-eight, verse four, Jacob tells Joseph that God appears and tells him He will make him fruitful, multiply, and cause a multitude to come from him. Through these two men as examples, God did bless and increase the people during the time of Abram and Jacob. The explanation for the swelling population of the Israelites came through the obedience and righteous living exhibited by the men mentioned earlier. Today, many believers would love such a blessing in that way. However, it does require compliance and right-doing to receive such favor from God.