We sometimes look back at the Hebrews who were in Goshen Land and think that one day they were free and the next they were slaves. Actually, it wasn’t quite so quick. First we see Pharaoh (believed to be Rameses II) conspiring with his top people on forming a plan to subdue the Israelites. The enemy always has a “plan.” No decent soldier enters into a battle without a mission and a plan. It was a time-oriented plan with the reign of Hitler. He took his time in changing the mind-set of the German people. Little subtle changes in ordinances and policies went unnoticed by the majority of people. After one little victory and then another, suddenly it was too late. This is essentially what happened with the Israelites.

In Exodus 1:11 it says the Egyptians appointed taskmasters to afflict them with their burden. They began by encouraging them to be good citizens and ‘put something back into your community’ you might say. They wanted to burden them with “Egypt’s needs.” Soon they found themselves divided into manageable groups. Next came the even smaller groups that were relocated to various work camps or locations. The Egyptians forcibly assigned them specific duties, thereby denying them their freedom of choice. Before then the burden of Egypt was of no concern of the Hebrews. They were just doing their thing down in Goshen. Many Rabbi’s teach that they began to intermingle with the Egyptians after the death of Joseph’s generation. They became complacent concerning their walk with YHVH and took their blessings for granted. Before they knew it, Pharaoh had slipped the yoke around their neck.

Too often today we as believers become complacent and before you know it, Egypt (the world) has slipped the yoke around our neck. The yoke afflicting us to a large degree today is Egypt’s financial burdens. You may feel you can never get ahead, you loose your job, or other financial matters. Be careful! This is the first step in becoming burdened down and afflicted. The first step of discouragement leads to the second step of depression. Before you know it, you’re working spiritually in the bricks and mortar department. Be sure you are still dwelling in the land of Goshen today, enjoying your blessings and watching your walk. Don’t even take the first step toward Egypt. Remember what the Israelites learned, too much mingling with Egypt equals disaster!