Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 1:20 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 1:20 stands as a profound statement in the narrative of Israel’s enslavement in Egypt and the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. In this verse, the text highlights God’s favor toward the Hebrew midwives and the remarkable results of their courage and obedience. The verse offers rich theological implications for believers and serves as an example of how God honors righteousness in the face of oppression. In this article, we will explore the context, meaning, and practical applications of Exodus 1:20, as well as its relevance in both biblical history and contemporary Christian life.
The Context on Exodus 1:20 KJV
Exodus 1:20 states, “Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.” This verse appears shortly after the account of the Hebrew midwives’ refusal to obey Pharaoh’s cruel order to kill the Hebrew male infants. In the preceding verses, Pharaoh, fearing the growing population of the Israelites, ordered the midwives to kill any male child born to the Hebrews. However, Shiphrah and Puah, the two Hebrew midwives, defied Pharaoh’s orders, letting the boys live (Exodus 1:17).
In verse 1:19, the midwives explain to Pharaoh that the Hebrew women give birth too quickly for them to intervene, offering a plausible excuse that Pharaoh ultimately accepts. Despite Pharaoh’s rage, God intervenes and blesses the midwives for their courage and faithfulness to His command. Exodus 1:20 marks the reward for their moral bravery and sets the stage for the continuing story of God’s faithfulness to His people, even amid oppression and hardship.
This verse connects directly to the theme of God’s providence. While Pharaoh sought to crush the Hebrew people by diminishing their numbers, God used the actions of these two women to thwart Pharaoh’s plan and allowed the Israelites to multiply and become even more numerous.
The Exodus 1:20 Meaning
Exodus 1:20 captures several key ideas, especially the central theme of God’s providence and how God rewards obedience. Here’s a breakdown of the verse’s significance:
God’s Favor on the Midwives
“Therefore God dealt well with the midwives…” This statement reflects God’s direct involvement in rewarding those who act in accordance with His will. The midwives’ actions were not only a matter of personal integrity but also a divine intervention. They defied a government order, which would have resulted in the deaths of innocent children, in order to protect life, honoring God in the process. As a result, God “dealt well” with them, which is a Hebrew way of saying that God showed His favor by blessing them. This blessing is both a spiritual and material reward, showing that God rewards those who align their actions with His moral order.
The Growth of the Israelite People
“…and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.” Despite Pharaoh’s attempt to diminish the population of the Hebrews, God not only allowed the Israelites to survive but to thrive. The blessing that God gave to the midwives was not just personal; it extended to the people of Israel. The midwives’ faithfulness directly contributed to the preservation and growth of God’s chosen people. This was an essential part of God’s larger plan for Israel, as He had promised Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation (Genesis 12:2-3).
Divine Providence Overcomes Oppression
The verse underscores a theme that will continue to unfold in the Exodus narrative: no matter how hard Pharaoh or other oppressors try to prevent God’s plan, they cannot succeed. In fact, their efforts often lead to the fulfillment of God’s purposes in ways they never intended. Pharaoh’s attempt to limit the number of Israelites only made the people of Israel multiply more than ever. This shows God’s ability to turn what seems like an obstacle into a means of blessing and growth.
Reward for Obedience
The verse provides a clear biblical principle: those who act in obedience to God’s commands, even when it is difficult or unpopular, are rewarded by Him. The midwives’ actions were a display of courage and moral clarity, choosing to honor God’s will rather than conform to the expectations of the world. God honors such obedience with His blessing and favor.
Exodus 1:20 Application in Life
Exodus 1:20 teaches several important lessons for Christians today. The midwives’ story calls believers to reflect on how God rewards righteousness and how His providence works even in situations of persecution or oppression. Here are some practical applications:
Obedience to God Above All Else
The midwives’ refusal to follow Pharaoh’s evil decree is a reminder for Christians to prioritize God’s commands over the dictates of human authorities, especially when those authorities are calling us to compromise our faith. As believers, we are called to be faithful to God’s Word, even when it is costly or goes against societal norms. In a world where moral values are often challenged, this passage encourages Christians to stand firm in their faith and make decisions based on biblical principles.
Trusting God’s Providence
The growth of the Hebrew people, despite Pharaoh’s opposition, shows that God is sovereign over all situations, even those that seem hopeless or dire. For Christians, this can be an encouragement to trust in God’s provision and care, even in difficult circumstances. No matter what trials we face, God is in control and will use the situation for His glory and our ultimate good (Romans 8:28).
God Rewards Obedience
The midwives were rewarded by God because they chose to act in obedience, even when it involved significant risk. This teaches believers that obedience to God leads to His blessings. While we may not always see the immediate rewards, God promises to honor those who live according to His will (Matthew 6:33). This is a reminder to act in faith, knowing that God sees our actions and rewards them accordingly.
The Importance of Small Acts of Faithfulness
Shiphrah and Puah were not prominent leaders in Israel; they were ordinary women with a humble role. Yet, their actions had a profound impact on the survival of God’s people. This highlights how God often works through small, everyday acts of faithfulness. Christians should remember that no act of obedience, no matter how small, is insignificant in God’s eyes. He can use each one of us, in our respective roles, to bring about His larger purposes.
Standing Against Injustice
The midwives took a stand against the systematic injustice of Pharaoh’s decree. Christians today are called to stand against injustice, especially when it involves the oppression of vulnerable populations. Whether standing up for the unborn, advocating for racial justice, or defending the oppressed, Exodus 1:20 calls Christians to be agents of justice in a world that often overlooks or even exploits the marginalized.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 1:20 aligns with several key biblical themes found throughout Scripture:
Divine Reward for Obedience
A key biblical principle is that God rewards those who remain faithful to Him, even in difficult circumstances. For example, in the New Testament, Jesus teaches that those who endure suffering for His sake will be rewarded (Matthew 5:10-12). The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Galatians 6:9, where he says, “Let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Just as God blessed the midwives, He promises blessings to those who faithfully follow Him.
God’s Sovereignty Over Oppression
Throughout Scripture, God is shown to be sovereign even in the face of human oppression. In the Book of Esther, God uses the courage of Queen Esther to deliver the Jewish people from Haman’s wicked plot. Similarly, in the Book of Daniel, Daniel’s refusal to worship idols results in his miraculous deliverance from the lion’s den. In both instances, as in Exodus 1:20, God’s providence overcomes earthly oppression to bring about His plans.
Protection of the Innocent
Exodus 1:20 also relates to God’s heart for protecting the innocent. This theme runs throughout Scripture, from God’s deliverance of Noah and his family from the flood (Genesis 6:9) to His saving of the Israelites from Pharaoh’s tyranny. God repeatedly demonstrates His care for those who are oppressed or vulnerable, and He calls His followers to do the same.
Modern-Day Relevance
In today’s world, Exodus 1:20 resonates with Christians who face challenges in standing up for what is right. Whether it’s in the workplace, in public policy debates, or in everyday social interactions, believers often find themselves in situations where they must choose between obedience to God and conformity to worldly systems. Exodus 1:20 serves as a reminder that God honors those who choose His ways over the world’s ways.
In particular, the issues of justice and standing against systemic oppression are highly relevant today. Christians are called to advocate for the marginalized, just as the midwives acted to protect the Hebrew infants. Moreover, the idea of God’s providence is a comforting thought for those who feel overwhelmed by the injustices they witness or experience in the world. Just as God’s sovereignty allowed the Hebrew people to multiply despite Pharaoh’s decree, so too can He bring about good in the most difficult situations.
Conclusion
Exodus 1:20 is a powerful reminder that God rewards faithfulness and that His providence is at work in every situation, especially in the face of oppression. The midwives’ actions were a courageous stand for life, and their reward serves as an encouragement to believers today to remain faithful to God’s commands, regardless of the consequences. This passage challenges Christians to act justly, trust in God’s sovereign plan, and rely on His providence to carry out His will in their lives.
As we face trials and injustices in the world, we can take comfort in the fact that God is working through our obedience to accomplish His purposes. His favor will be upon those who honor Him, and His ultimate plan for His people will not be thwarted by the forces of evil.
Related topics:
- What Does Exodus 1:19 Mean?
- Exodus 1:18 Meaning, Context & Commentary
- What Does Exodus 1:17 Mean?