The word 'fruitful' appears 15 times in Genesis. As I started reading in Exodus, I noticed in the 7th verse of chapter one, the word 'fruitful' again in reference to the children of Israel after the Joseph generation had died off. They abounded even when the pressure was on. The more they were pressured, the more they multiplied and grew (Exodus 1:12).
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
In Genesis 1:28, Adam and Eve are told to be fruitful, to multiply, to replenish (fill), to subdue (must have had some things to subdue), and to have dominion over the earth. They enjoyed fellowship with God and life was great. Then they were seduced by another entity away from trusting in God and in doing so transferred authority to God's adversary. Things did a 180• turn. They lost their connection to God and became subject to a problematic world with all the pressures of evil. They then needed more help with subduing things and having dominion.
Having lost the connection of spirit with God, God only could communicate to those whom had the spirit upon them (Check out numbers 11! for some interesting examples) The spirit mostly came upon those who were to speak for God to others. Joseph was a great example in Genesis as he walked with God and became the fruitful bough of Jacob's family. It is interesting to read about Abimelech in Genesis 20 who spoke reproving words to Abraham because of a conversation he had with God. If he hadn't had that conversation would Abraham have eventually obtained the fulfillment of God's promise of fruitfulness in Genesis 17:6? Take a look at Noah (Genesis 9:1) and Jacob (Genesis 35:11).
The world is still full of pressures and downright evil. There is no change in that. However in this day, the spirit of God is poured forth to everyone who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ and his resurrection from the dead after having the full thrust of evil put on his shoulders. We have the gift of holy spirit. We are connected to the branch and we have all the benefits of his sustenance.
Colossians 1:10-13That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
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