“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?”
Context:Exodus 1 begins with the story of the Israelites’ descent into slavery in Egypt. The Pharaoh of Egypt, fearing the growing numbers and strength of the Israelites, decides to oppress them by making them slaves. However, despite their slavery, the Israelites continue to multiply, which further worries Pharaoh.
The role of the midwives:In this verse, the king of Egypt summons the Hebrew midwives. These midwives were responsible for assisting in the delivery of babies and providing care for both the mother and the child. Pharaoh confronts the midwives because they were defying his order to kill all the male babies born to the Hebrew women (Exodus 1:15-16).
The midwives’ disobedience:Pharaoh questions the midwives about their failure to carry out his command. He asks them why they allowed the male children to live instead of killing them at birth. The midwives’ response in the following verses (Exodus 1:19-21) reveals their fear of God and their compassion toward the Hebrew women.
Faithfulness to God:The midwives’ actions demonstrate their faithfulness to God rather than the commands of the earthly king. They prioritize obedience to God’s law, which values life and opposes murder. By preserving the lives of the male children, the midwives display their reverence for God’s authority over human authority.
God’s blessing:As a result of the midwives’ faithfulness, God blesses them and gives them families of their own (Exodus 1:20-21). This serves as a reminder that God honors and rewards those who are faithful to Him, even in the face of difficult circumstances and opposition.
Lessons for us:This passage highlights the importance of honoring God’s commands above the directives of earthly authorities when they conflict with God’s moral law. It also teaches us about the value of human life and the need to stand up against injustice and oppression. The midwives’ courage and their trust in God serve as an inspiration for us to act with integrity and compassion, even in challenging situations.
