Exodus 1:16 – “When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 1:16 reveals the chilling command given by Pharaoh to the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah. He instructs them to kill all newborn Hebrew boys while allowing the girls to live. Pharaoh’s order is a desperate attempt to control and diminish the growing Israelite population by eliminating potential future male leaders and warriors. This verse starkly illustrates the extent of Pharaoh’s fear and his willingness to commit heinous acts to maintain control over the Israelites. It also sets up a moral crisis for the midwives, who are faced with the choice of obeying Pharaoh or protecting innocent lives.
Historical Context
The historical context of this verse is crucial for understanding its gravity. The Israelites had grown numerous and strong in Egypt, and the new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, viewed them as a significant threat. His fear led him to implement increasingly brutal measures to control the population. The order to kill the male infants was not only a form of population control but also a means of weakening the Israelites by removing future leaders and defenders.
In the ancient world, infanticide was not uncommon, particularly as a tool of political or social control. However, Pharaoh’s order specifically targeted the male children, indicating a strategic plan to undermine the Israelites’ potential for growth and rebellion.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 1:16 confronts us with the reality of evil in the world and the moral choices individuals must make in response to it. Pharaoh’s command represents the kind of oppressive, life-denying power that stands in direct opposition to God’s will. The verse challenges believers to consider what it means to stand up for life and to protect the vulnerable, even when faced with powerful forces that demand otherwise.
This verse also highlights the sanctity of life from a biblical perspective. God’s plan for humanity involves the protection and flourishing of life, while Pharaoh’s command seeks to destroy it. The midwives’ response to this command, which we see in the following verses, is a testament to their reverence for life and their fear of God above all earthly powers.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Exodus 1:16 is a pivotal moment in the narrative, introducing the specific and heinous nature of Pharaoh’s oppression. The verse uses direct and explicit language to convey the brutality of the order. The stark contrast between the command to kill the boys and spare the girls underscores the calculated nature of Pharaoh’s strategy.
This verse also heightens the tension in the story, as the reader anticipates how the midwives will respond to such an immoral order. The mention of the “delivery stool,” a detail about the birthing process, grounds the story in a very personal and human reality, making the command even more horrifying.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 1:17: The immediate response of the midwives, who feared God and did not do what Pharaoh commanded, but let the boys live.
- Matthew 2:16: King Herod’s order to kill all the boys in Bethlehem, a similar act of tyranny against innocent children.
- Proverbs 24:11-12: A call to rescue those being led away to death, emphasizing the moral responsibility to protect life.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 1:16 serves as a sobering reminder of the presence of evil in the world and the importance of standing against it. This verse challenges believers to consider their own responses to injustice and to have the courage to protect the vulnerable, even when doing so requires defiance of unjust authority.
It also speaks to the value of every human life, a principle that is foundational to the Christian faith. The decision of the midwives to protect the Hebrew boys, as described in the following verses, serves as a powerful example of faith in action—choosing to do what is right in God’s eyes, no matter the cost.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 1:16, while revealing the darkness of Pharaoh’s command, also sets the stage for God’s loving intervention. God’s love is shown in His concern for the vulnerable and the oppressed. Even in the face of such evil, God is at work through individuals like Shiphrah and Puah to protect and preserve life.
This verse reminds us that God’s love is active and present, even in the most dire circumstances. His heart is for the innocent and the helpless, and He often uses seemingly ordinary people to carry out His extraordinary plans of protection and deliverance.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The connection between Exodus 1:16 and Jesus Christ can be seen in the parallel between Pharaoh’s order and King Herod’s decree to kill the male infants in Bethlehem. Both rulers, driven by fear and a desire to maintain power, sought to eliminate what they perceived as threats by targeting innocent children. However, in both cases, God’s plan was not thwarted.
Jesus, like the Hebrew boys saved by the midwives, survived against the odds to fulfill God’s purpose. His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate examples of God’s power to overcome evil and bring about salvation. Jesus’ mission was to protect and save those who are lost, and His life reflects the same commitment to life and justice that the midwives demonstrated.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the example of the midwives in response to Pharaoh’s command challenge you to stand up for what is right, even in difficult situations?
- In what ways can you be an advocate for the vulnerable in your community, following the example of Shiphrah and Puah?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust in God’s sovereignty, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable evil?
- What parallels do you see between Pharaoh’s command and the actions of leaders today who may oppress or harm the vulnerable?
- How can you apply the lessons from this verse in your own life when confronted with moral or ethical dilemmas?