Meaning of Exodus 1:17

This verse highlights a pivotal moment of defiance rooted in profound reverence for God, demonstrating that obedience to divine authority supersedes human decree, especially when those decrees are unjust and inhumane. The unnamed Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, are presented as courageous women who, despite facing the direct command of the Pharaoh to kill newborn Israelite males, chose to obey God's implicit will for life and preservation. Their actions not only saved countless lives but also served as a catalyst for the eventual liberation of the entire Israelite nation from Egyptian bondage, illustrating the power of individual faithfulness in the face of oppressive regimes and setting a precedent for the courage required to stand against evil.

Context and Background

The preceding verses (Exodus 1:8-16) establish the precarious situation of the Israelites in Egypt. After prospering and multiplying significantly, they became a perceived threat to the Egyptians, leading to a new Pharaoh who, "who knew nothing of Joseph," instituted policies of oppression. This oppression began with forced labor and escalated to a genocidal command directed at the very survival of the Israelite people. The Pharaoh's decree was specific and brutal: to kill every male Hebrew child at birth. This was a calculated attempt to cripple the Israelite population by eliminating its future leaders and workforce, thereby ensuring Egypt's dominance.

Key Themes and Messages

• Fear of God vs. Fear of Man: The central theme is the profound fear of God that motivates the midwives' actions. This "fear" is not terror but a deep respect, awe, and allegiance that compels them to prioritize God's will above the Pharaoh's. It contrasts sharply with the fear the Egyptians likely held of the Pharaoh's wrath, which would have compelled obedience to his wicked command.
• Courage and Integrity: Shiphrah and Puah exemplify extraordinary courage and moral integrity. They risked their lives and livelihoods by disobeying a direct royal order, demonstrating that true courage lies in acting according to one's conscience and divine calling, even when it is dangerous.
• Divine Providence and Preservation: The verse implicitly points to God's hand in preserving His people. Even when faced with the most direct threat, God raises up individuals to thwart evil plans and ensure His purposes are fulfilled. The midwives become instruments of God's protective will.
• Resistance to Injustice: Their act is a clear act of resistance against state-sanctioned injustice and genocide. It underscores the biblical principle that there are times when obedience to human authority is not only not required but is morally wrong.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The midwives' story serves as a powerful example of civil disobedience rooted in divine obedience. It teaches that faithfulness to God may require us to actively resist unjust laws and actions, even when it incurs personal risk. Their decision to "let the boys live" is a testament to the sanctity of life and the inherent value of every individual, a value that originates from God. This verse calls believers today to examine their own allegiances: to whom do they ultimately owe their obedience? It encourages discernment in situations where human authority conflicts with divine principles and inspires courage to act ethically and compassionately, even when it is difficult.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This incident is foundational to the Exodus narrative. The survival of these male infants, including Moses, directly enables the continuation of the Israelite people and the eventual leadership of Moses, who will be instrumental in their deliverance. The midwives' faithfulness is an early demonstration of God's commitment to His covenant people and His active intervention in history to fulfill His promises. It sets a pattern for future acts of faithfulness and resistance within the Old Testament, such as Daniel and his companions refusing to compromise their faith in Babylon, or the prophets challenging corrupt leadership.

Analogies

The midwives' act can be likened to:

• A single spark igniting a conflagration: Their small act of defiance, seemingly insignificant in the face of a powerful empire, ultimately contributed to the spark that would ignite the fire of liberation for an entire nation.
• A dam holding back a flood: They momentarily held back the destructive tide of the Pharaoh's decree, preserving the lifeblood of the Israelite nation until a greater force (God's intervention through Moses) could fully dismantle the oppression.
• A doctor refusing to administer a poison: Just as a medical professional would refuse to carry out a harmful medical procedure, the midwives refused to participate in a life-ending command, prioritizing the well-being of their patients.

Relation to Other Verses

• Acts 5:29: Peter's famous declaration, "We must obey God rather than human beings," directly echoes the principle demonstrated by the midwives. This New Testament passage explicitly codifies the theological justification for their actions.
• Daniel 3: The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refusing to bow to the golden image, even under threat of a fiery furnace, illustrates a similar theme of prioritizing God's commands over royal decrees.
• 1 Samuel 15:22: This verse highlights that "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed the word of the Lord is better than the fat of rams." The midwives' obedience to God's implicit command for life was superior to any obedience they could have shown to the Pharaoh's destructive command.
• Psalm 33:18-19: "But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their lives from death, and keep them alive in famine." This psalm speaks to God's care for those who revere Him, a care clearly manifested in His protection of the midwives and the lives they saved.