Exodus 1:21

And because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own.

Study Bible

And because the midwives feared God
The phrase "feared God" is rooted in the Hebrew word "yare," which conveys a deep reverence and awe. In the context of the ancient Near East, where polytheism was prevalent, the midwives' fear of the one true God signifies a profound commitment to His authority and moral law. This reverence is not merely an emotional response but a guiding principle that directs their actions, even in the face of potential danger from Pharaoh. The midwives' fear of God is a testament to their faith and courage, serving as an example of how true reverence for God can lead to righteous actions.

He gave them families of their own
The Hebrew word for "families" here is "batim," which can also mean "houses" or "households." This indicates not just the blessing of children but the establishment of a legacy and a secure place within the community. In the ancient world, having a family was a sign of divine favor and social stability. God's reward to the midwives for their faithfulness and fear of Him is both tangible and significant, ensuring their lineage and influence within Israel. This divine blessing underscores a recurring biblical theme: God honors those who honor Him, often in ways that extend beyond immediate circumstances to impact future generations.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Midwives
The Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, who defied Pharaoh's orders to kill Hebrew male infants. Their fear of God led them to preserve life.

2. Pharaoh
The king of Egypt who ordered the killing of Hebrew male infants to suppress the growing population of the Israelites.

3. God
The sovereign deity who rewards the midwives for their faithfulness and fear of Him by blessing them with families.

4. Hebrews/Israelites
The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were living in Egypt and growing in number, causing concern for Pharaoh.

5. Egypt
The land where the Israelites were enslaved and where these events took place.

Teaching Points

Fear of God Leads to Righteous Actions
The midwives' fear of God over Pharaoh's command demonstrates the importance of prioritizing God's will above human authority.

God Rewards Faithfulness
The midwives' faithfulness resulted in God blessing them with families, showing that God honors those who honor Him.

Courage in the Face of Oppression
The midwives' courage to defy an unjust order encourages believers to stand firm in their convictions, even when facing societal pressures.

The Sanctity of Life
The midwives' actions underscore the value of life and the importance of protecting it, aligning with the biblical principle of the sanctity of life.

Divine Providence
God's intervention in the lives of the midwives illustrates His providential care and ability to bless those who trust in Him.

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 and faithfulness in situations where societal norms conflict with biblical principles?

3. How does the account of the midwives in Exodus 1:21 encourage us to value and protect life in our current cultural context?

4. What are some examples in your life where you have seen God reward faithfulness, and how can these experiences strengthen your trust in His promises?

5. How can we apply the principle of divine providence in our lives, especially when facing challenges or uncertainties?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 9:10
This verse highlights the importance of fearing the Lord as the beginning of wisdom, which connects to the midwives' actions in Exodus 1:21.

Psalm 127:3
This verse speaks of children as a heritage from the Lord, aligning with the blessing of families given to the midwives.

Acts 5:29
The apostles' declaration to obey God rather than men mirrors the midwives' decision to fear God over Pharaoh.