Albert Barnes Commentary Exodus 1:7

"And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them." — Exodus 1:7 (ASV)

In no province does the population increase so rapidly as in that which was occupied by the Israelites. See the note at Genesis 47:6. At present, it has more flocks and herds than any province in Egypt, and more fishermen, though many villages are deserted.

Until the accession of the new king, the relations between the Egyptians and the Israelites were undoubtedly friendly. The expressions used in this verse imply the lapse of a considerable period after the death of Joseph.

The land was filled with them—that is, the district allotted to them (Genesis 45:10).