Exodus 1:18 – “Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, ‘Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?'”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 1:18 captures a tense moment where Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, directly confronts the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah. After realizing that his command to kill all newborn Hebrew boys had not been carried out, Pharaoh questions the midwives, demanding to know why they have defied his orders. This verse highlights the courage of the midwives, who had chosen to obey God rather than submit to Pharaoh’s evil decree. Pharaoh’s question is filled with frustration and disbelief, as he cannot understand why these women would risk their lives to protect the children of a people he viewed as a threat.
Historical Context
The historical backdrop of this verse is the Israelites’ growing population in Egypt. Pharaoh, fearing that the Israelites would become too powerful and potentially overthrow Egyptian rule, ordered the midwives to kill every Hebrew boy at birth. This command was part of a broader strategy to weaken the Israelites and prevent them from rising against Egypt. In ancient times, defying a king’s order was a grave offense, often punishable by death. The midwives, however, feared God more than Pharaoh and chose to save the lives of the Hebrew boys, an act of defiance that placed them in great danger.
Pharaoh’s summoning of the midwives in this verse shows that he was aware of their disobedience and was determined to hold them accountable, reflecting his desperation to maintain control over the Israelite population.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 1:18 speaks to the tension between obeying God and obeying human authorities, especially when those authorities command actions that are contrary to God’s will. The midwives’ actions demonstrate that fear of God should always outweigh fear of man, even when obedience to God brings personal risk. This verse also highlights the principle that God’s moral law is supreme, and believers are called to uphold it, even in the face of opposition.
Pharaoh’s inability to comprehend the midwives’ disobedience underscores the spiritual blindness that can result from living in opposition to God’s commands. His question reveals a mindset that values power and control over life and morality, in stark contrast to the midwives’ reverence for God and their commitment to preserving life.
Literary Analysis
From a literary standpoint, Exodus 1:18 is a moment of confrontation and tension in the narrative. The verse is structured as a direct question from Pharaoh, emphasizing his frustration and confusion. The repetition of the question “Why have you done this?” highlights Pharaoh’s disbelief and the seriousness of the situation. This confrontation also serves to elevate the moral courage of the midwives, who stand firm in their decision to protect the Hebrew boys despite the immense pressure from the king.
The simplicity of the verse, focusing solely on Pharaoh’s question, draws the reader’s attention to the moral conflict at the heart of the story. It sets the stage for the midwives’ response, which will further reveal their faith and character.
Biblical Cross-References
- Acts 5:29: “Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!'” This reflects the midwives’ decision to obey God’s higher moral law rather than Pharaoh’s orders.
- Daniel 3:16-18: The refusal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar’s idol, choosing instead to obey God, parallels the midwives’ defiance of Pharaoh.
- Proverbs 29:25: “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” This speaks to the wisdom of fearing God above man, as the midwives did.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 1:18 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing firm in one’s convictions, even when facing pressure from powerful authorities. This verse challenges believers to consider their own response to situations where obedience to God may conflict with societal or governmental demands. It encourages Christians to have the courage to do what is right in God’s eyes, trusting that He will protect and honor those who are faithful to Him.
This verse also calls Christians to reflect on the value of life and the importance of protecting the innocent, following the example of the midwives who risked their lives to save others.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 1:18, while focusing on Pharaoh’s confrontation with the midwives, also indirectly highlights God’s loving care for His people. The midwives’ decision to protect the Hebrew boys is a reflection of God’s own heart for the vulnerable and oppressed. God’s love is evident in the way He works through individuals to preserve life and uphold justice, even in the face of great evil.
This verse reminds us that God’s love is active in the world, often expressed through the courageous actions of those who fear Him and choose to do what is right, regardless of the consequences.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The connection between Exodus 1:18 and Jesus Christ is seen in the theme of choosing to obey God over human authorities. Jesus Himself faced similar confrontations during His ministry, particularly with the religious leaders who opposed His teachings. Like the midwives, Jesus consistently chose to obey God’s will, even when it led to conflict with those in power.
Moreover, just as the midwives’ actions preserved the lives of the Hebrew boys, Jesus came to offer life to all who believe in Him. His ministry was marked by a deep commitment to protecting and saving the lost, reflecting the same heart for the vulnerable that the midwives demonstrated.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the example of the midwives in Exodus 1:18 challenge you to stand firm in your convictions, even when faced with pressure from authority figures?
- In what ways can you be an advocate 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?