Exodus 1:20

So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied and became even more numerous.

Study Bible

So God was good to the midwives
The phrase "God was good" reflects the Hebrew word "טוֹב" (tov), which conveys goodness, kindness, and favor. This goodness is not merely a passive state but an active benevolence from God towards the midwives. In the context of the narrative, the midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, feared God and defied Pharaoh's orders to kill the Hebrew male infants. Their reverence for God over human authority is rewarded by divine favor. This highlights a recurring biblical theme: God honors those who honor Him. The goodness of God here is a testament to His justice and mercy, rewarding the righteous actions of the midwives. Historically, this act of divine favor underscores the importance of moral courage and faithfulness in the face of oppressive regimes.

and the people multiplied
The Hebrew root for "multiplied" is "רָבָה" (ravah), which means to increase or become numerous. This multiplication of the Israelites is a direct fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5). Despite the harsh conditions of slavery and the oppressive edicts of Pharaoh, the Israelites continued to grow in number. This miraculous increase is a testament to God's sovereign power and His ability to fulfill His promises regardless of human opposition. It serves as a reminder that God's plans cannot be thwarted by earthly powers.

and became even more numerous
The phrase "became even more numerous" emphasizes the extraordinary growth of the Israelite population. The Hebrew word "עָצַם" (atsam) is used here, which means to be strong, mighty, or numerous. This word choice underscores not just a numerical increase but a strengthening of the people. In the face of adversity, the Israelites not only survived but thrived, becoming a formidable presence in Egypt. This growth is a testament to God's providential care and His ability to turn what was meant for evil into good. It also foreshadows the eventual deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, as their increasing numbers set the stage for the Exodus. This narrative encourages believers to trust in God's timing and His ability to bring about His purposes, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The sovereign and compassionate deity who rewards the faithfulness of the midwives.

2. Midwives
Specifically, Shiphrah and Puah, who feared God and defied Pharaoh's orders to kill Hebrew male infants.

3. Hebrew People
The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were living in Egypt and experiencing rapid population growth.

4. Pharaoh
The king of Egypt who felt threatened by the growing number of Israelites and ordered the killing of newborn Hebrew boys.

5. Egypt
The land where the Israelites were living in bondage, yet experiencing God's blessing through population growth.

Teaching Points

Fear of God Over Fear of Man
The midwives' actions teach us the importance of fearing God above all earthly authorities. Their reverence for God led to His favor and blessing.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
Despite the oppression in Egypt, God continued to fulfill His promise to Abraham by multiplying his descendants. This reminds us of God's unwavering faithfulness.

Courage in Adversity
The midwives displayed courage by standing up to Pharaoh's unjust command. We are called to act with similar courage when faced with moral dilemmas.

Divine Reward for Faithfulness
God rewarded the midwives for their faithfulness. This encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God sees and rewards our obedience.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fear of God influence our decisions in situations where we face pressure to conform to ungodly practices?

2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness in our lives, even when circumstances seem challenging?

3. How can the example of the midwives inspire us to act courageously in our own lives?

4. What are some modern-day situations where we might need to choose between obeying God and obeying human authorities?

5. How does the multiplication of the Israelites in Egypt reflect God's promises, and how can this encourage us in our faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12:2
God's promise to Abraham to make him a great nation is being fulfilled as the Israelites multiply in Egypt.

Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, as demonstrated by the midwives who feared God more than Pharaoh.

Acts 5:29
The apostles' declaration to obey God rather than men parallels the midwives' decision to follow God's moral law over Pharaoh's command.

Psalm 127:3
Children are a heritage from the Lord, and the multiplication of the Israelites is a sign of God's blessing.