Exodus 1:22

Then Pharaoh commanded all his people: "Every son born to the Hebrews you must throw into the Nile, but every daughter you may allow to live."

Study Bible

Then Pharaoh commanded all his people
This phrase indicates a direct order from Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, showcasing his absolute authority. The Hebrew word for "commanded" is "צִוָּה" (tsivah), which implies a strong, authoritative decree. Historically, Pharaohs were considered divine or semi-divine figures, and their commands were seen as law. This highlights the severity and the oppressive nature of the edict against the Hebrews, reflecting the escalating tension between the Egyptians and the Israelites.

Every son born to the Hebrews
The focus on "every son" underscores the threat Pharaoh perceived from the growing Hebrew population. Sons represented future strength and potential rebellion. The Hebrew word for "son" is "בֵּן" (ben), which also signifies a builder of the family name. This decree was not just an attack on individuals but an attempt to dismantle the future of the Hebrew people, threatening their covenantal promise with God.

you must throw into the Nile
The Nile River was central to Egyptian life, symbolizing both sustenance and death. The Hebrew word for "throw" is "תַּשְׁלִיכֻהוּ" (tashlikhu), suggesting a forceful act of casting away. This act of throwing Hebrew infants into the Nile was both a literal and symbolic attempt to drown the future of Israel in the very waters that sustained Egypt. The Nile, often associated with the Egyptian god Hapi, becomes a place of death rather than life, highlighting the perversion of Pharaoh's decree.

but every daughter you may allow to live
The sparing of daughters reflects a patriarchal view that women were less of a threat. The Hebrew word for "daughter" is "בַּת" (bat), which can also mean a member of a community. By allowing daughters to live, Pharaoh underestimated the role women would play in God's redemptive plan, as seen later with figures like Miriam and Jochebed. This phrase also foreshadows the subversive actions of women in the narrative, who defy Pharaoh's orders and contribute to the deliverance of Israel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Pharaoh
The king of Egypt who issued the decree to kill Hebrew male infants. His fear of the growing Hebrew population led to this brutal command.

2. Hebrews
The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob living in Egypt. They were enslaved by the Egyptians and subjected to harsh treatment.

3. Nile River
The major river in Egypt, which Pharaoh commanded to be used as a means of executing Hebrew male infants.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites were enslaved. It represents a place of oppression and bondage for the Hebrews.

5. Hebrew Midwives
Though not directly mentioned in this verse, they play a crucial role in the preceding verses by defying Pharaoh's earlier command to kill Hebrew male infants at birth.

Teaching Points

The Value of Life
This passage underscores the sanctity of life and the evil of unjust decrees that seek to destroy it. Believers are called to protect and value life at all stages.

Faith in Adversity
The Hebrews' situation teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty even when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges and threats.

Courageous Defiance
The actions of the Hebrew midwives and Moses' family demonstrate the importance of standing up against unjust laws and commands, prioritizing God's moral law over human decrees.

God's Sovereign Plan
Despite Pharaoh's attempts to control the Hebrew population, God's plan for His people prevailed. This reminds us that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human actions.

Deliverance and Hope
The oppression in Egypt sets the stage for God's deliverance through Moses, pointing to the ultimate deliverance through Christ. Believers can find hope in God's power to save.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Pharaoh's decree in Exodus 1:22 reflect the spiritual battle between God's purposes and human opposition? Can you think of other biblical examples where God's plans were opposed but ultimately prevailed?

2. In what ways can we, like the Hebrew midwives, demonstrate courage and faithfulness in the face of unjust laws or societal pressures today?

3. How does the account of Moses' preservation and eventual role as a deliverer foreshadow the life and mission of Jesus Christ?

4. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation that seemed hopeless. How can the account of the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt encourage you in your current circumstances?

5. Considering the value of life emphasized in this passage, how can Christians today advocate for the protection and dignity of all human life in their communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 2:1-10
The account of Moses' birth and how his mother defied Pharaoh's decree by placing him in a basket in the Nile, leading to his adoption by Pharaoh's daughter.

Matthew 2:16
Herod's massacre of the infants in Bethlehem parallels Pharaoh's decree, showing a recurring theme of rulers attempting to thwart God's plans through violence against children.

Acts 7:19
Stephen's speech references Pharaoh's oppression of the Israelites, highlighting the historical context of their suffering and God's deliverance.