“And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.”
Context: The book of Exodus records the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. In Exodus 1, we learn about the oppression faced by the Israelites under a new Pharaoh who feared their growing population. He ordered the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill the Hebrew male babies at birth. However, the midwives chose to fear God and refused to obey the Pharaoh’s command.
Fearing God: The phrase “because the midwives feared God” is significant in this verse. Fearing God does not imply being scared of Him, but rather having a reverential awe and respect for Him. The midwives’ fear of God motivated their actions. They chose to honor and obey God’s commandments rather than complying with the wicked orders of Pharaoh. This demonstrates their strong faith and trust in God’s sovereignty.
God’s Reward: As a result of their obedience to God, He rewarded the midwives by “making them houses.” This can be understood in a literal sense, that God blessed them with families and households of their own. It could also imply that God granted them stability, security, and prosperity in their lives. By choosing righteousness over evil, the midwives experienced God’s favor and blessings.
Lessons for us today:
- Faithful obedience: The midwives’ story encourages us to prioritize obedience to God’s commands, even in the face of difficult circumstances or pressures to compromise. Our fear of God should be greater than our fear of men.
- God’s faithfulness: Just as God rewarded the midwives, He is faithful to bless those who honor Him and walk in obedience to His Word. Our trust in God’s promises and His ability to provide should strengthen us to make godly choices.
- Standing against injustice: The midwives’ decision to protect the Hebrew babies, even against the Pharaoh’s decree, reminds us of the importance of standing up against injustice and protecting the vulnerable. We should be willing to take a stand for what is right, even when it may be difficult or unpopular.
- God’s sovereignty: The story of the midwives reminds us that God is in control, even in the midst of challenging situations. Their fear of God was rooted in acknowledging His authority and trusting in His plans. We should remember that God can work in unexpected ways to accomplish His purposes, even when circumstances seem unfavorable.
In conclusion, Exodus 1:21 highlights the faith and obedience of the Hebrew midwives. Their fear of God and refusal to comply with Pharaoh’s orders resulted in God’s blessings upon them. This passage encourages us to prioritize obedience to God, trust in His faithfulness, stand against injustice, and acknowledge God’s sovereignty in our lives.
