Exodus 1:17 – “The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 1:17 highlights the courageous decision made by the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to defy the direct order of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Pharaoh had commanded them to kill all newborn Hebrew boys, but the midwives chose to disobey this cruel order because they feared God more than they feared the king. Their fear of God was not just a feeling of terror but a deep respect and reverence for His authority and commandments. This reverence led them to protect the lives of the male infants, choosing to do what was right in God’s eyes rather than succumbing to the pressure of the most powerful ruler of their time.
Historical Context
The historical context of this verse is crucial to understanding the gravity of the midwives’ actions. During this period, the Israelites were living as slaves in Egypt, and their population had grown so large that Pharaoh saw them as a threat to national security. In response, Pharaoh sought to weaken the Israelites by ordering the death of all newborn boys, hoping to prevent them from rising up against the Egyptians in the future.
In ancient Egypt, Pharaoh was considered a god-like figure with absolute authority. Disobeying his orders could have led to severe punishment, including death. Yet, despite these risks, the midwives chose to follow a higher moral law, demonstrating their unwavering faith and courage.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 1:17 teaches us about the importance of fearing God above all else. The midwives’ actions reflect a clear choice between obeying human authority and obeying God’s moral law. Their fear of God led them to value human life, even when it meant going against the decrees of a powerful ruler. This verse shows that true reverence for God leads to righteous actions, even in the face of potential danger.
This verse also underscores the theme of God’s sovereignty and protection. Although the midwives were placed in a dangerous situation, their decision to protect the innocent was honored by God, who later blessed them for their faithfulness. Their story reminds us that God is always in control, and He supports those who stand up for what is right according to His word.
Literary Analysis
From a literary perspective, Exodus 1:17 contrasts the fear of God with the fear of human power. The verse uses the word “however” to emphasize the midwives’ choice to disobey Pharaoh, highlighting their moral courage. This verse serves as a turning point in the narrative, where the oppressive plans of Pharaoh begin to unravel because of the faithfulness of these women.
The simplicity and directness of the verse also add to its impact. There is no detailed explanation of their decision-making process; rather, the verse simply states their actions, allowing the reader to understand the depth of their faith and courage through their deeds.
Biblical Cross-References
- Acts 5:29: Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than human beings!” This echoes the midwives’ choice to fear God over obeying human authority.
- Proverbs 9:10: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” which reflects the wisdom shown by the midwives in their decision.
- Hebrews 11:23: The faith of Moses’ parents, who hid him for three months because they were not afraid of the king’s edict, parallels the courage of the midwives.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 1:17 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing God’s will above all else. It challenges believers to consider where their ultimate loyalty lies and to have the courage to stand up for what is right, even when it means going against societal norms or powerful authorities. This verse encourages Christians to trust in God’s protection and to act in faith, knowing that God honors those who fear Him and seek to do His will.
This verse also calls Christians to be advocates for the innocent and the vulnerable. The midwives’ decision to let the boys live is a call to all believers to protect and defend those who cannot defend themselves, reflecting the heart of God for justice and mercy.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 1:17 demonstrates God’s love for the innocent and the powerless. God’s concern for human life is evident in how He worked through the midwives to protect the Hebrew infants. The midwives’ fear of God and their decision to preserve life reflect God’s own character, which is marked by compassion and justice. This verse shows that God’s love is active in the world, often manifested through the actions of those who choose to align their lives with His will.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The connection between Exodus 1:17 and Jesus Christ can be seen in the theme of choosing to obey God over human authorities, even at great personal risk. Jesus Himself lived a life of obedience to God, even when it led to His suffering and death on the cross. Like the midwives, Jesus demonstrated that true reverence for God sometimes requires standing against the powers of this world in order to uphold God’s truth and justice.
Additionally, just as the midwives protected the lives of innocent children, Jesus came to offer protection and salvation to all who are vulnerable to sin and death. His ministry was marked by a deep compassion for the weak and the marginalized, reflecting the same heart that motivated the midwives in their courageous act.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the example of the midwives in Exodus 1:17 challenge you to prioritize God’s will over human authority?
- In what ways can you stand up for the vulnerable in your community, following the example set by Shiphrah and Puah?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust in God’s protection when you are faced with difficult choices?
- What parallels can you draw between the midwives’ decision and the choices Jesus made during His ministry?
- How can you apply the lessons from this verse in your own life when confronted with moral or ethical dilemmas?