“And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.”
Context: Exodus 1 describes the oppression of the Israelites in Egypt and their increased numbers despite Pharaoh’s attempts to control their population. In an effort to control the Hebrew population growth, Pharaoh commanded the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill all the male Hebrew babies at birth. However, the midwives chose to disobey this command and let the male babies live.
The character of the midwives: The midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, displayed great courage and faithfulness to God by choosing to defy Pharaoh’s command. They valued human life and obeyed God rather than man. Their actions reflected their fear of God and their willingness to do what was right even in the face of potential consequences.
The midwives’ response to Pharaoh: When Pharaoh questioned the midwives about their disobedience, they provided a clever and deceptive answer. They claimed that the Hebrew women were strong and delivered their babies before the midwives could arrive. This response allowed them to protect the Hebrew children while avoiding direct confrontation with Pharaoh.
The faithfulness of God: The midwives’ decision to spare the Hebrew babies revealed God’s faithfulness in preserving His chosen people. God honored the midwives’ courage and rewarded their act of faith by granting them families of their own.
Lessons for believers today:
- The story of the midwives teaches us the importance of valuing human life and standing up against injustice. As Christians, we should always prioritize doing what is right and upholding the dignity of every person, even if it means going against societal norms or facing potential repercussions.
- The midwives’ response to Pharaoh also reminds us that wisdom and discernment are essential when faced with difficult situations. They chose a wise course of action that allowed them to protect the Hebrew babies while avoiding direct conflict.
- This passage also encourages us to trust in God’s faithfulness and provision. Just as God blessed the midwives for their faithfulness, He will reward those who honor Him and act according to His principles.
In conclusion, Exodus 1:19 highlights the courageous actions of the Hebrew midwives in defying Pharaoh’s command to kill the male Hebrew babies. Their faithfulness to God, their clever response to Pharaoh, and God’s faithfulness in turn teach us important lessons about valuing human life, exercising wisdom, and trusting in God’s provision.
