Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 1:17 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 1:17 is a profound and pivotal verse in the Old Testament that highlights both the moral courage of the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, and the theological truth that God’s will can never be thwarted by earthly powers. Pharaoh’s oppressive decree to kill the male Hebrew infants in an attempt to control the growing Israelite population sets the stage for an unexpected act of resistance. Exodus 1:17 reflects the midwives’ refusal to follow Pharaoh’s evil command and their obedience to God, an act that not only preserves the lives of the children but also plays a significant role in the unfolding of Israel’s deliverance.
As we explore the meaning of Exodus 1:17, we will consider the broader context of the passage, unpack its theological significance, draw comparisons with other biblical texts, and apply its lessons to our lives today. Exodus 1:17 is not just an ancient story of civil disobedience; it is a story about standing up for what is right in the face of injustice, trusting in God’s plan, and choosing to obey God rather than man.
Exodus 1:17 (KJV) reads: “But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.”
The Context on Exodus 1:17 KJV
To fully appreciate the meaning of Exodus 1:17, it is crucial to understand the broader context of the story in which it is embedded. At this point in the narrative, the Israelites are living in Egypt under the rule of Pharaoh, who has grown increasingly concerned about their population growth. In Exodus 1:8-14, we learn that Pharaoh, fearful that the Israelites would become too numerous and powerful, enslaved them and subjected them to harsh labor. However, despite Pharaoh’s oppressive measures, the Israelites continue to multiply.
In response, Pharaoh escalates his persecution by ordering the Hebrew midwives—Shiphrah and Puah—to kill all the newborn male children of the Hebrews (Exodus 1:15-16). The intention behind this decree was to curb the population growth of the Israelites and prevent them from becoming a military threat. By targeting male children, Pharaoh hoped to eliminate the future leaders of the Israelites.
However, Exodus 1:17 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative. The Hebrew midwives, upon hearing Pharaoh’s command, choose to defy it. The text tells us that “the midwives feared God,” and as a result, they did not carry out Pharaoh’s order but instead saved the male infants. Their act of civil disobedience is not only a moral decision but a theological one. They recognized the sovereignty of God over human rulers, and in their fear of God, they chose to act according to His will rather than Pharaoh’s tyrannical decree.
This choice to resist Pharaoh’s order serves as a significant act of defiance against unjust authority and sets the stage for the later events in the book of Exodus, where God will raise up Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
The Exodus 1:17 Meaning
Exodus 1:17 provides us with several layers of meaning, both in the context of the story and in its broader theological implications.
The Fear of God
The key phrase in Exodus 1:17 is that the midwives “feared God.” In biblical terms, the “fear of God” is not about being terrified or afraid of God in a paralyzing way; rather, it denotes a reverence, respect, and awe toward God’s authority and power. The midwives recognized that God is the ultimate authority over all things, including Pharaoh. Their fear of God was greater than their fear of Pharaoh, and this reverence led them to act in accordance with God’s will, even at great personal risk.
The fear of God is a theme that runs throughout the Bible, particularly in the wisdom literature (e.g., Proverbs 1:7, Ecclesiastes 12:13). To “fear God” means to honor Him, obey Him, and align one’s life with His will. For the midwives, this fear motivated them to choose life over death, to preserve the Hebrew male infants rather than following Pharaoh’s command.
Disobedience to Pharaoh
The midwives’ act of disobedience to Pharaoh demonstrates moral courage. Pharaoh was the most powerful ruler in the ancient world, and his command carried the force of law. In disobeying Pharaoh, the midwives risked their own lives. Pharaoh had the authority to execute them for defying his orders, yet their commitment to doing what was right before God far outweighed any threat Pharaoh posed.
This moment underscores a biblical truth: there are times when God’s commands conflict with the laws of human rulers, and in such instances, believers are called to obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29). The midwives’ resistance to Pharaoh is an example of civil disobedience, where acting in accordance with God’s will takes precedence over compliance with unjust laws.
Preserving Life
The midwives’ refusal to carry out Pharaoh’s order to kill the male infants is also a profound statement about the sanctity of life. In a time when the powerful sought to diminish and control life, these women acted as protectors of life. By saving the children, they not only defied Pharaoh but also preserved the future of Israel. Their act of mercy allowed the next generation to live, ultimately ensuring that God’s promises to His people would come to pass.
The concept of life being sacred is foundational in the Bible. God is the Creator of life (Genesis 1:26-27), and as such, human life holds intrinsic value. The midwives’ actions are in alignment with this biblical truth—they chose to preserve life in the face of unjust authority and tyranny.
Exodus 1:17 Application in Life
Exodus 1:17 offers several applications for Christians living in a world where injustice and evil often prevail. The midwives’ example of fearing God above human authorities is one that continues to resonate with believers today.
Standing Against Injustice
In our world, many face systemic injustices, whether in the form of racial discrimination, poverty, human trafficking, or the oppression of the vulnerable. Just as the midwives chose to defy Pharaoh’s unjust command, Christians today are called to stand against injustice. Whether through advocating for the sanctity of life, fighting for the rights of the oppressed, or speaking out against corruption, believers are called to align their actions with God’s will, even when the powers of the world seem insurmountable.
Obeying God Rather Than Man
The midwives’ disobedience to Pharaoh is an example of how believers must sometimes make difficult decisions when earthly authorities demand actions contrary to God’s Word. In a world where the laws of the land may contradict biblical principles, Christians are called to discern when it is necessary to obey God rather than man. This can apply to issues such as abortion, religious freedom, and marriage, where societal laws may conflict with God’s moral law.
The apostle Peter and the early apostles modeled this principle in Acts 5:29, when they declared, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” For Christians, obedience to God must always take precedence, even when it costs us personal comfort or safety.
Courage in the Face of Persecution
The midwives demonstrated incredible courage in their defiance of Pharaoh. Christians today are called to exhibit similar courage, especially in times of persecution or hardship. Jesus warned His followers that they would face persecution for their faith (Matthew 5:10-12), and in such times, believers are called to remain steadfast and faithful, trusting that God’s reward is greater than any temporary suffering.
Protecting the Vulnerable
The midwives’ actions also emphasize the importance of protecting the vulnerable, particularly those who cannot protect themselves. In today’s world, this could apply to protecting the unborn, advocating for the poor, or speaking up for those who are marginalized. The midwives acted as protectors of life, and Christians are called to do the same in various contexts, standing up for those whose voices may not be heard.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 1:17 is part of a broader biblical narrative that highlights the theme of civil disobedience, obedience to God’s authority, and the sanctity of life.
Acts 5:29 – “We Ought to Obey God Rather Than Men”
As mentioned earlier, Acts 5:29 presents a parallel scenario to Exodus 1:17. When the apostles are commanded by the Sanhedrin to stop preaching in Jesus’ name, they boldly declare, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Just as the midwives chose to obey God over Pharaoh, the apostles choose to obey God’s command to preach the gospel over the ruling authorities’ command to be silent. This principle of prioritizing God’s will above human authority is central to both passages.
Daniel 3:16-18 – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
Another example of civil disobedience is found in the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3. When King Nebuchadnezzar ordered all his subjects to worship an idol, these three men refused, even at the threat of being thrown into a fiery furnace. Their response is striking: “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace… but if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods” (Daniel 3:17-18). Like the Hebrew midwives, they refused to obey an unjust law, trusting in God’s ultimate authority and deliverance.
Proverbs 8:13 – “The Fear of the Lord is to Hate Evil”
The midwives’ fear of God is also echoed in Proverbs 8:13, which states, “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil.” The fear of the Lord is closely connected to a hatred of evil and injustice, which is demonstrated in the midwives’ actions. By choosing to preserve life, they showed their hatred of Pharaoh’s evil decree and their commitment to God’s will.
Modern-Day Relevance
Exodus 1:17 is not only a historical narrative but a relevant lesson for modern-day Christians. In today’s world, Christians face many challenges in standing firm in their faith in the face of societal pressures. From issues of abortion and religious freedom to political and social injustice, the lessons from Exodus 1:17 remain significant.
The call to obey God rather than man is just as relevant today as it was in ancient Egypt. Whether through individual acts of courage or collective movements for justice, believers are called to stand against systems of oppression, protect the vulnerable, and remain faithful to God’s commands above all.
Conclusion
Exodus 1:17 stands as a powerful testimony to the courage of two women who chose to obey God over an earthly ruler. Their defiance of Pharaoh’s command and their commitment to preserving life highlight key themes in the Bible: the fear of God, civil disobedience in the face of injustice, and the sanctity of life. This verse challenges modern Christians to consider how they might respond to unjust authority, how they can protect the vulnerable, and how they can live out their faith with courage and integrity.
The example of the midwives in Exodus 1:17 calls believers to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God, trusting that God’s will will ultimately prevail, even in the face of opposition. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, we can take comfort in knowing that, just as God worked through the actions of these two midwives, He can use ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.
Related topics:
- Exodus 1:16 Meaning, Context & Commentary
- What Does Exodus 1:15 Mean?
- Exodus 1:14 Meaning, Context & Commentary