Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 1:21 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 1:21 is a pivotal verse in the biblical narrative that highlights God’s faithfulness to His people even in the face of extreme oppression. The verse tells us that, despite Pharaoh’s oppressive actions against the Israelites and his orders to kill their male children, the Hebrew midwives who feared God disobeyed his command and preserved the lives of the children. In the face of this persecution, God intervened, blessing the midwives for their courage and obedience. Exodus 1:21 provides deep theological insights about God’s protection, faithfulness, and His response to those who choose to act justly, even when it’s difficult.
This article will explore the meaning of Exodus 1:21 within its context, its theological implications, its applications in life today, and how it compares with other Biblical texts. Additionally, we will examine its modern-day relevance and conclude with reflections on the timeless truths this verse imparts.
The Context on Exodus 1:21 KJV
To understand the full meaning of Exodus 1:21, it is important to first look at the context surrounding this verse. Exodus 1 begins by setting the stage for the Israelites’ oppression in Egypt. The chapter opens with a list of the names of the sons of Israel (Jacob) who came to Egypt during the time of Joseph. These individuals, along with their descendants, initially enjoyed favor in Egypt. However, a new king, who did not know Joseph, arose over Egypt and began to oppress the Israelites due to their increasing numbers.
In Exodus 1:8-14, Pharaoh becomes fearful of the growing Israelite population, which he perceives as a threat to Egypt’s power. Pharaoh imposes harsh labor on the Israelites, forcing them into slavery. Yet, despite this, the Israelites continue to multiply, which only intensifies Pharaoh’s fear. He then devises a more extreme plan to control the population: he orders the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill every male child born to the Hebrew women (Exodus 1:15-16).
However, the midwives defy Pharaoh’s command, as we see in Exodus 1:17. They “feared God” and chose to preserve the lives of the male children. When Pharaoh confronts them, they lie, claiming that the Hebrew women give birth too quickly for them to intervene (Exodus 1:18-19). As a result of their actions, Exodus 1:20 tells us that God dealt well with the midwives, and the people of Israel continued to multiply.
Exodus 1:21 follows as the logical consequence of this faithfulness. It reads:“And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.” (Exodus 1:21, KJV)
In the context of this verse, “making them houses” is a phrase that means God blessed the midwives by providing them with families of their own, which was seen as a great honor in the ancient world. It’s a reward for their faithfulness, courage, and fear of God.
The Exodus 1:21 Meaning
Exodus 1:21 carries significant theological meaning and demonstrates God’s response to those who choose to honor Him over human authorities.
God’s Blessing for Obedience
One of the central themes of Exodus 1:21 is that God blesses those who obey Him. Despite the tremendous pressure from Pharaoh and the risk to their own lives, the midwives acted according to God’s will. Their decision to disobey Pharaoh’s unjust command was a decision to protect life, a value that aligns with God’s heart. In return, God blessed them by giving them families. This demonstrates a key biblical truth: obedience to God leads to His favor and blessing, even when doing so is costly or dangerous.
In a society that often promotes conformity to the powers that be, the midwives’ example is a powerful reminder that true faithfulness to God often involves making difficult choices that may contradict societal norms or authorities. For their obedience, God honored them with a legacy of their own—giving them the blessing of descendants, which was a high honor in ancient Israel.
The Fear of God
Exodus 1:21 emphasizes the concept of the “fear of God,” which was central to the midwives’ decision to disobey Pharaoh. This phrase refers to a deep reverence for God, a recognition of His authority and power, and a willingness to obey Him even in the face of earthly danger. The midwives feared God, meaning that they prioritized His will over Pharaoh’s commands.
The fear of God is not about being terrified of Him, but about holding Him in high esteem, understanding His authority over all creation, and living in accordance with His will. The fear of God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible and is especially evident in the wisdom literature (Proverbs 1:7, Ecclesiastes 12:13). For the midwives, this fear led to courageous acts of defiance against an evil authority, and God responded to their faithfulness.
God’s Sovereignty in Human History
Exodus 1:21 also highlights God’s sovereignty over the affairs of men. Despite the oppression of Pharaoh, who sought to destroy the Hebrew people, God worked through the faithfulness of two midwives to accomplish His purposes. This shows that no matter how powerful a ruler may be, God’s will will always prevail. The midwives’ courage in the face of Pharaoh’s tyranny did not go unnoticed by God, who sovereignly used their actions to preserve the lives of His people.
God’s sovereignty is often seen in the way He works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes. Just as God used the actions of Shiphrah and Puah to protect the Israelite children, He continues to use people today to further His plans, even in the face of opposition or injustice.
Exodus 1:21 Application in Life
Exodus 1:21 offers several practical lessons for contemporary Christians. It provides an example of how to navigate difficult moral choices and encourages believers to act in faith, even when it might be costly or dangerous.
Obedience to God Over Earthly Authorities
Exodus 1:21 calls Christians to recognize that, like the midwives, there will be times when human authorities and laws will conflict with God’s commands. Whether it involves standing against unjust laws, speaking out on behalf of the oppressed, or adhering to biblical values in a secular society, the midwives serve as models of obedience to God above all else. Acts of civil disobedience motivated by the desire to honor God rather than man are not only morally justified but can also bring about God’s blessings, as seen in the midwives’ story.
Courage in the Face of Adversity
The midwives demonstrated extraordinary courage in defying Pharaoh’s commands. Their example encourages Christians today to take a stand in the face of injustice or wrongdoing. This courage may manifest in many ways, whether it is speaking truth to power, standing for righteousness in the workplace, or defending those who cannot defend themselves. When we choose to act in alignment with God’s values, we can trust that He will honor our obedience.
God Rewards Faithfulness
The blessing of “houses” in Exodus 1:21 reminds believers that God rewards faithfulness. In a world that often rewards compromise or expediency, God honors those who remain true to His principles. The midwives’ act of faith and obedience was not only a moral choice but a spiritual one. God saw their hearts, and He responded with favor and blessing. This principle applies today, where living according to God’s standards may not always be immediately rewarded, but in the long run, God’s blessings come to those who are faithful to Him.
Value of Life
Exodus 1:21 also underscores the biblical principle of the sanctity of life. The midwives acted to preserve life, and in doing so, they were aligned with God’s will. Christians today are called to stand for life, whether it is the lives of the unborn, those suffering from injustice, or the vulnerable and marginalized in society. The biblical command to “choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19) continues to be a central call for the Church today.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 1:21 is not isolated in its themes of obedience to God and civil disobedience. Several other biblical passages offer similar insights and draw upon these same principles.
Acts 5:29 – Obeying God Rather Than Men
In Acts 5:29, the apostles Peter and John are brought before the Sanhedrin and ordered to cease preaching in the name of Jesus. Their response mirrors the actions of the Hebrew midwives: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Like the midwives who defied Pharaoh, the apostles chose to follow God’s commands rather than man’s. This passage emphasizes the same principle of prioritizing God’s authority above earthly rulers, even at the cost of personal safety or comfort.
Daniel 3:16-18 – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
Another powerful example of defying earthly authority in favor of God’s will is found in the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3. When King Nebuchadnezzar orders all his subjects to bow down to a golden image, these three men refuse. Their famous declaration, “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us… but if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods” (Daniel 3:17-18), echoes the courage and resolve of the midwives. In both cases, these individuals valued obedience to God over compliance with an unjust law.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord
In Proverbs 3:5-6, the writer encourages believers to “trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” This principle reflects the midwives’ actions in Exodus 1:21. They trusted God, even when it didn’t make sense to do so, and God directed their paths toward blessing and favor.
Modern-Day Relevance
Exodus 1:21 remains relevant to modern-day Christians, particularly in a world where values and laws often conflict with biblical teachings. Whether it’s standing for religious freedom, protecting life, or resisting injustices, the lessons from Exodus 1:21 offer guidance for living faithfully in the world today.
Christians are called to be salt and light in a dark world, and sometimes that means making difficult choices that go against the grain of society. The example of the midwives reminds us that God sees our actions, even when no one else does, and He will reward those who remain faithful to His commands.
Conclusion
Exodus 1:21 teaches that God honors faithfulness, rewards obedience, and blesses those who fear Him. The actions of the midwives, who chose to act in accordance with God’s will rather than Pharaoh’s command, offer a powerful example of courage, defiance in the face of injustice, and the protection of life. By understanding the context and application of this verse, Christians today can draw strength and inspiration for their own lives, knowing that God will bless those who act in accordance with His values, even in difficult circumstances.
Exodus 1:21 Commentary
Exodus 1:21 stands out as a profound testimony to God’s faithfulness in the midst of human oppression. It highlights God’s reward for the courageous actions of the midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, who feared God rather than the oppressive king Pharaoh. To fully appreciate the depth of this verse, it’s important to examine it from a theological and practical perspective.
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