Exodus 1:8

III. THE KING WHO KNEW NOT JOSEPH.

8. Now there arose.

Many interesting incidents had, no doubt, occurred between the death of Joseph and the incipient bondage of Israel. But these are passed over in silence, because they did not bear particularly upon any special prediction. But God would have nothing lost that was essential to the proof of his faithfulness in his covenant relations. He deems it of more importance to confirm faith than to gratify curiosity.-- Bush.

A new king over Egypt.

The expressions in this verse are peculiar and emphatic. "A new king" is. phrase not found elsewhere. It is understood by most commentators to imply that he did not succeed his predecessor in natural order of descent and inheritance. He "arose up over Egypt," occupying the land, as it would seem, on different terms from the king whose place he took, either by usurpation or conquest. The fact that he knew not Joseph implies. complete separation from the traditions of lower Egypt. The new king is supposed to have been Amosis, the first king of the eighteenth dynasty,. king who came from the south of Egypt, near Ethiopia, who had an Ethiopian princess for. wife, and who ascended the throne by. revolution. It was natural that with. violent change of rulers there would be. complete change of policy.