but their descendants, the Israelites, had many children and became so numerous and strong that Egypt was filled with them.

Because the midwives were God-fearing, God was good to them and gave them families of their own. And the Israelites continued to increase and become strong.

He blessed his people, and they had many children; he kept their herds of cattle from decreasing.

You have given them great joy, Lord; you have made them happy. They rejoice in what you have done, as people rejoice when they harvest grain or when they divide captured wealth.

LORD, you have made our nation grow, enlarging its territory on every side; and this has brought you honor.

In the days to come the people of Israel, the descendants of Jacob, will take root like a tree, and they will blossom and bud. The earth will be covered with the fruit they produce.

Think of your ancestor, Abraham, and of Sarah, from whom you are descended. When I called Abraham, he was childless, but I blessed him and gave him children; I made his descendants numerous.

Even your smallest and humblest family Will become as great as a powerful nation. When the right time comes, I will make this happen quickly. I am the LORD!"

The people who live there will sing praise; they will shout for joy. By my blessing they will increase in numbers; my blessing will bring them honor.

I will increase the number of descendants of my servant David and the number of priests from the tribe of Levi, so that it will be as impossible to count them as it is to count the stars in the sky or the grains of sand on the seashore."

"I will call my people and gather them together. I will rescue them and make them as numerous as they used to be.