Exodus 1:21
And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.
Exodus 1:21 (KJV)
Context
In Exodus 1, a new Pharaoh, fearing the growing number of Israelites, oppressed them and ordered the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill every male baby at birth. The midwives, however, chose to fear God rather than obey the king’s wicked command. Their defiance was a direct refusal of a royal decree that demanded the death of innocent children. In that culture, disobeying Pharaoh could cost them their lives, yet they acted with quiet courage.
Meaning
The phrase “because the midwives feared God” is central. Fearing God here does not mean being terrified of Him, but having reverential awe, respect, and trust that leads to faithful action. This fear is not passive; it is a deep reverence that shapes how a person lives. Their fear of God motivated them to protect the Hebrew boys, even at great personal risk. In response, God “made them houses”—a phrase that means He gave them families and established households for them, granting them stability, security, and honor. This reward was not merely material; it was a sign of God’s approval and care. He saw their faithful service and blessed them in a way that would last beyond their own lives.
Biblical connections
This reward echoes the principle found in 1 Samuel 2:30, where God promises to honor those who honor Him. The midwives’ courageous obedience also connects to the broader theme of God’s faithfulness in multiplying His people despite Pharaoh’s attempts to diminish them, as seen throughout Exodus 1. Their actions helped preserve the Hebrew nation, setting the stage for God’s deliverance. The sanctity of human life is affirmed here; the midwives valued the lives of the Hebrew babies more than their own safety. Their example stands as a reminder that God often works through ordinary people to protect the vulnerable and advance His purposes.
Application
The midwives’ example teaches us to prioritize obedience to God over compliance with unjust human laws. When earthly authorities command what is evil, our fear of God must be greater than our fear of people. This calls us to stand against injustice and protect the vulnerable, even when it is costly. We can trust that God sees our faithful service and will provide for our needs, just as He did for the midwives. Their story encourages us to examine our own loyalties. Do we fear God more than we fear the opinions of others or the consequences of doing right? In a world that often pressures us to compromise, we are invited to follow the midwives’ path of reverent obedience.
Reflection
Consider the quiet courage of Shiphrah and Puah. They did not seek recognition, yet God honored them. Their story reassures us that God is sovereign over every situation and can work through ordinary people to accomplish His purposes. As we face pressures to compromise, let us remember that reverent fear of the Lord is the foundation for moral courage and leads to divine blessing. Their legacy is not a monument of their own making, but a household established by God. In the same way, our faithful choices, even when unseen by others, are seen by Him and can leave a lasting impact.
