Exodus 1:17

The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live.

Study Bible

But the midwives feared God
The phrase "feared God" is central to understanding the motivation behind the actions of the midwives. In Hebrew, the word for "feared" is "yare," which can mean to be afraid, but more often in the context of the Bible, it denotes a profound respect and reverence. The midwives' fear of God indicates their deep respect for His authority and commandments, which surpasses their fear of earthly powers, such as Pharaoh. This reverence for God is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing divine commands over human edicts.

and did not do as the king of Egypt had told them
The phrase "did not do as the king of Egypt had told them" highlights the civil disobedience of the midwives. The king of Egypt, or Pharaoh, was the most powerful ruler of the time, and his commands were expected to be followed without question. However, the midwives chose to defy his orders, demonstrating their allegiance to a higher moral law. This act of defiance is significant in the biblical narrative, as it underscores the theme of God's people standing firm in their faith and convictions, even in the face of oppressive regimes.

they let the boys live
The phrase "they let the boys live" is a direct act of preservation of life, which is a fundamental principle in the Judeo-Christian ethic. The Hebrew word for "live" is "chayah," which means to preserve life or to keep alive. By allowing the boys to live, the midwives were not only saving lives but also ensuring the continuation of the Israelite people, which was crucial for the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This act of mercy and courage is a testament to the midwives' faith and their role in God's redemptive plan.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Midwives
These were Hebrew women tasked with assisting in childbirth. In this context, they were ordered by Pharaoh to kill Hebrew male infants at birth.

2. Pharaoh (King of Egypt)
The ruler of Egypt who, fearing the growing population of the Israelites, commanded the midwives to kill all newborn Hebrew boys.

3. Hebrew Boys
The male infants whom Pharaoh ordered to be killed to control the population of the Israelites.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites were living in bondage and where these events took place.

5. Fear of God
The reverence and respect for God that motivated the midwives to disobey Pharaoh's orders.

Teaching Points

Fear of God Over Fear of Man
The midwives' actions demonstrate the importance of prioritizing God's commands over human orders, especially when they conflict with God's moral law.

Courage in Faith
The midwives showed great courage by risking their lives to do what was right. This teaches us to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of adversity.

God's Sovereignty and Protection
Despite Pharaoh's power, God's plan for His people prevailed. This reminds us that God is sovereign and protects those who honor Him.

Moral Integrity
The midwives' decision to let the boys live reflects a commitment to moral integrity, which is a vital aspect of Christian character.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fear of God influence our daily decisions, and what are some practical ways we can cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord in our lives?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate courage in our faith when faced with societal pressures that contradict biblical principles?

3. How does the account of the midwives encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire?

4. Can you think of a situation in your life where you had to choose between obeying God and following human authority? How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?

5. How can we apply the principle of moral integrity in our workplaces, schools, or communities, and what impact might this have on those around us?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Acts 5:29
This verse highlights the principle of obeying God rather than human authorities when the two are in conflict, similar to the midwives' decision.

Proverbs 1:7
This verse speaks about the fear of the Lord being the beginning of knowledge, which aligns with the midwives' fear of God leading them to make a wise and righteous decision.

Daniel 3:16-18
The account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refusing to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's image parallels the midwives' refusal to obey Pharaoh, both acts of faith and courage.