Meaning of Exodus 1:21

This verse highlights the divine favor bestowed upon Shiphrah and Puah, the Hebrew midwives, for their courageous obedience to God above the tyrannical decree of the Pharaoh. Their act of defiance, refusing to kill the newborn Israelite males as commanded, stemmed from their profound reverence for God, which superseded their fear of the king. In response to their faithfulness, God not only protected them but also established them and their descendants, signifying His blessing and recognition of their righteous actions. This demonstrates a fundamental biblical principle: obedience to God, even in the face of earthly opposition, results in His profound favor and provision.

Context and Background

The narrative unfolds during a period of immense oppression for the Israelites in Egypt. After Joseph and his generation had passed, a new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, rose to power and viewed the rapidly multiplying Israelites as a threat. He implemented a series of oppressive measures, including forced labor and the infamous command to the midwives to kill every male Israelite infant at birth. This was a direct attack on the future of the Israelite people, aiming to stem their growth and ultimately their existence. Shiphrah and Puah, as the designated midwives, were caught between two formidable powers: the absolute authority of the Egyptian Pharaoh and the ultimate authority of the God of Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

• Fear of God vs. Fear of Man: The central theme is the conflict between fearing human authority and fearing divine authority. Shiphrah and Puah chose to fear God, a reverence that compelled them to disobey a wicked human command. This fear is not terror but profound respect and submission to God's will.
• Divine Providence and Reward: The verse explicitly states that God "gave them families of their own." This is a tangible reward for their faithfulness. It signifies God's active involvement in the lives of those who honor Him, providing for them and ensuring their continuation.
• Courage in the Face of Tyranny: Their actions were acts of immense courage. Disobeying a Pharaoh carried severe penalties, yet their moral and spiritual conviction led them to risk their lives for the sake of innocent children and the future of God's people.
• The Importance of Righteous Action: Their decision was not passive; it was an active choice to preserve life and uphold God's will. The verse emphasizes that God observes and responds to such righteous actions.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance lies in understanding that God's favor is not arbitrary but is directly linked to our obedience and reverence for Him. Shiphrah and Puah's example teaches believers today to prioritize God's commands over the demands of the world, even when it involves personal risk or social ostracism. It underscores the belief that true security and prosperity are found in aligning oneself with God's purposes, not in appeasing earthly powers that oppose Him. Their reward of "families of their own" can be interpreted not only literally but also metaphorically as establishing a lasting legacy and being incorporated into God's larger spiritual family.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This incident is a foundational moment in the Exodus narrative. It demonstrates that God was already working to preserve His chosen people before their eventual liberation. The faithfulness of these two women foreshadows the larger deliverance that Moses and the Israelites would experience. It establishes a pattern where God uses ordinary individuals, often women, to play crucial roles in His redemptive plans. Their obedience is a critical step in the preservation of the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come.

Analogies

• A Valiant Soldier: Think of a soldier ordered by a corrupt commander to commit an atrocity. If the soldier refuses, citing a higher moral code or allegiance to a just nation, their act of defiance, though risky, is seen as honorable. Similarly, Shiphrah and Puah acted on a higher allegiance.
• A Witness to Truth: Imagine someone witnessing an injustice and choosing to speak out, even when it means facing backlash or losing their position. Their commitment to truth, like the midwives' commitment to life, is a testament to their core values.
• A Gardener Protecting a Seedling: The midwives acted like gardeners protecting a precious seedling from being trampled. They understood the potential life and future growth within the infants, a potential that the Pharaoh sought to extinguish.

Relation to Other Verses

• 1 Samuel 15:22: "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams." This verse directly echoes the principle that obedience to God is paramount, even more so than religious rituals. Shiphrah and Puah's obedience was their ultimate sacrifice.
• Proverbs 3:7-8: "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring healing to your body and nourishment to your bones." The fear of the Lord, as demonstrated by the midwives, leads to divine blessing and well-being.
• Daniel 3:16-18: The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, is a parallel. They too faced death but chose to obey God, trusting Him to deliver them. Their faith was rewarded, and they were preserved.
• Matthew 10:28: "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Jesus' words here reinforce the wisdom of fearing God above those who have only temporal power.