Exodus 1:18

And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive?

Exodus 1:18 (KJV)

Context

Exodus 1 opens with the Israelites living as slaves in Egypt. The king of Egypt, often called Pharaoh, feared their growing numbers and strength. He tried to weaken them through hard slavery, but the people continued to multiply. In Exodus 1:15-16, Pharaoh commanded the Hebrew midwives to kill every baby boy at birth. This verse records the moment when Pharaoh called the midwives to answer for their disobedience.

Meaning

Pharaoh’s question, “Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive?” is a direct accusation. He had given a clear order, and the midwives had not obeyed it. Their action was not passive; they actively did what was needed to preserve the newborn boys. The king’s summons shows that he noticed the Israelite population was still increasing, and he demanded an explanation for their defiance.

Biblical connections

The midwives’ fear of God, mentioned in Exodus 1:17, stands behind their brave response. They chose to obey God rather than the king. This same principle appears in Acts 5:29, where the apostles said they must obey God rather than men. The midwives’ civil disobedience was not rebellion for its own sake; it was a faithful choice to honor God’s command to value life.

Application

This verse challenges us to consider where our ultimate loyalty lies. When human laws or orders conflict with God’s clear moral teaching, we are called to follow God, even at personal risk. The midwives faced the highest human authority in the land, yet they did not waver. Their example encourages us to act with courage and compassion, protecting the vulnerable and standing against injustice.

Reflection

God later blessed the midwives because they feared Him, giving them families of their own (Exodus 1:20-21). Their faithfulness was not hidden from God. This reminds us that obedience to God, even in difficult circumstances, brings His approval and reward. We can trust that God sees our quiet acts of faithfulness and will honor them in His time.