“But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.”
Context:The book of Exodus narrates the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and their journey towards the Promised Land. In Exodus 1, we see the Israelites growing in number and becoming a threat to the Egyptian Pharaoh. As a result, Pharaoh enslaves them and orders the Hebrew midwives to kill all the male babies at birth.
Key Points:
- The Fear of God:In Exodus 1:17, we are introduced to two courageous midwives who are mentioned by name, Shiphrah and Puah. Despite Pharaoh’s direct order to kill the Hebrew boys, these midwives chose to disobey the command because they feared God. Their fear of God superseded their fear of the king, and they prioritised obedience to God’s commandments above all else.
- Saving the Male Children:The midwives’ act of disobedience was rooted in their compassion and reverence for God. Instead of carrying out Pharaoh’s command, they found ways to save the male children alive. They used various methods to deceive Pharaoh, either by claiming that the Hebrew women gave birth before they arrived or by saying that the Hebrew women were strong and delivered the babies quickly. Their quick thinking and cunning protected the innocent lives of the Hebrew boys.
- Faithful Disobedience:Shiphrah and Puah demonstrated an important principle of faithful disobedience. While it is generally important to respect authority and follow lawful commands, there are times when a higher authority, God’s authority, supersedes human authority. In this case, Pharaoh’s command to kill the male Hebrew children went against God’s principles and moral values, so the midwives chose to honour God rather than the king.
- God’s Blessing:God honoured the midwives’ fear and faithfulness by blessing them. Exodus 1:20-21 states that God dealt well with the midwives and gave them households. Their actions were a testament to their trust in God, and He rewarded them with blessings and increase.
Application:
- Obedience to God:The midwives’ story challenges us to consider our own obedience to God’s commands. When faced with conflicting demands from human authorities, we should prioritise obeying God’s principles and teachings, even if it means going against popular opinion or facing consequences.
- Courage and Compassion:Shiphrah and Puah exemplify the qualities of courage and compassion. Their actions inspire us to stand up for what is right, protect the vulnerable, and show compassion in difficult circumstances.
- Trusting in God’s Faithfulness:The midwives trusted God’s faithfulness and chose to fear Him rather than fear the consequences of disobedience. Their story encourages us to trust in God’s providence and believe that He rewards those who honour Him.
Conclusion:
Exodus 1:17 presents a powerful example of the midwives’ faithfulness to God and their commitment to preserving life. Their fear of God, coupled with their compassionate disobedience to Pharaoh’s command, played a vital role in safeguarding the lives of the Hebrew male children. This passage teaches us the importance of prioritising obedience to God over human authority and encourages us to demonstrate courage and compassion in challenging situations.
