Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 1:18 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 1:18 marks a crucial moment in the narrative of the Israelites’ early years in Egypt, as they begin their long journey toward deliverance from oppression. This verse follows the courageous actions of the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, who defied Pharaoh‘s decree to kill the male infants of the Israelites. After their act of civil disobedience, Pharaoh responds with anger, and in Exodus 1:18, he confronts the midwives directly. The text provides important insights into the nature of Pharaoh’s rule, the consequences of defying authority, and the ongoing theme of God’s protection for those who stand for righteousness.
In this article, we will explore the deeper meaning of Exodus 1:18, providing a thorough analysis of its context, implications, and relevance. We will also examine the passage’s application to modern-day Christians, comparing it with other biblical texts and offering reflections on its ongoing relevance.
The Context on Exodus 1:18 KJV
Exodus 1:18 falls within the opening chapter of the book of Exodus, which sets the stage for the great deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The Israelites had been living in Egypt for several centuries, and as time passed, their population grew rapidly. This growth alarmed the Egyptian Pharaoh, who feared that the Israelites might join forces with Egypt’s enemies and overthrow him (Exodus 1:10).
In response, Pharaoh instituted harsh measures to suppress the Israelites. First, he enslaved them, subjecting them to forced labor, and then he issued a decree that all male Hebrew infants were to be killed at birth (Exodus 1:15-16). Pharaoh’s goal was to reduce the Israelite population and eliminate any future threats to his rule.
However, two Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, refused to carry out Pharaoh’s order. The text says that they “feared God” (Exodus 1:17) and saved the male children alive, lying to Pharaoh when questioned about their actions. Pharaoh’s response to the disobedience of the midwives is recorded in Exodus 1:18.
Exodus 1:18 (KJV) reads: “And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive?”
In this verse, Pharaoh directly confronts the midwives, asking them why they did not comply with his command. His question reveals his anger and frustration at their refusal to execute his orders, but it also sets the stage for the next phase in the narrative, where Pharaoh escalates his oppression of the Israelites.
The Exodus 1:18 Meaning
Exodus 1:18 provides an important turning point in the story, showing both Pharaoh’s continued attempts to control the Israelites and the persistence of the midwives in defying his wicked command.
Pharaoh’s Confrontation
Pharaoh’s question, “Why have ye done this thing?” reveals his frustration. He is not simply questioning the midwives’ actions out of curiosity, but rather expressing anger that his decree has been violated. Pharaoh’s question reveals a deeper sense of control and a desire to punish those who refuse to comply with his authority. In his eyes, the midwives’ defiance is an act of insubordination that undermines his power.
In the ancient world, rulers like Pharaoh held almost absolute power. Their commands were considered law, and disobedience was often met with severe punishment. Pharaoh’s inability to enforce his command exposes the limits of his power and foreshadows the greater conflict that will unfold between him and the God of Israel.
The Midwives’ Act of Defiance
The midwives’ actions in defying Pharaoh’s decree are rooted in their fear of God. The fear of God, as mentioned earlier in Exodus 1:17, is not a terror-filled fear but a profound respect and reverence for God’s authority. The midwives understood that Pharaoh’s command to kill the children was an act of evil and directly contrary to the sanctity of life that God upholds. Their act of defiance in saving the male infants reflects their moral conviction that obeying Pharaoh’s decree would be an affront to God’s will.
By saving the male children, Shiphrah and Puah were not only preserving life but also resisting an unjust authority. This act of courage was not without risk. Pharaoh was a powerful ruler, and defying his orders could have resulted in death. However, the midwives chose to honor God above the commands of Pharaoh, placing their faith and trust in God’s protection.
God’s Sovereignty Over Earthly Kings
Another key aspect of Exodus 1:18 is the way it underscores the biblical theme of God’s sovereignty over human rulers. Pharaoh’s position as king of Egypt does not exempt him from accountability to God. Throughout the Bible, earthly kings and rulers are depicted as subordinate to God’s ultimate authority (Psalm 2:10-12, Daniel 4:34-35). The midwives’ refusal to obey Pharaoh’s command demonstrates that even in a time of oppressive rule, God’s will can and will be accomplished through those who fear Him and choose to obey Him.
Pharaoh’s anger in Exodus 1:18 highlights the tension between the powers of this world and the kingdom of God. It sets the stage for the larger conflict between Pharaoh and God, which will unfold in the chapters that follow, culminating in the Exodus itself.
Exodus 1:18 Application in Life
Exodus 1:18 has significant application for Christians today. The passage speaks to the reality of living under authority, the consequences of standing for righteousness, and the importance of placing our fear of God above all other fears. Several key lessons can be drawn from this verse.
Standing for Righteousness in the Face of Oppression
Just as the midwives stood firm in the face of Pharaoh’s oppression, Christians are often called to stand firm in their faith, even when it places them in conflict with the powers of the world. Whether standing against abortion, speaking out for social justice, or refusing to comply with unjust laws, Christians must be willing to take a stand for what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
In today’s world, Christians may face situations where standing for righteousness comes at a personal cost, whether it involves losing a job, facing social rejection, or enduring persecution. Yet, the example of Shiphrah and Puah reminds us that God honors those who choose to obey Him, even in the face of earthly opposition.
Obeying God Over Man
Exodus 1:18 reminds Christians of the importance of prioritizing obedience to God over obedience to human authorities. While believers are called to respect and submit to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7), this submission is not absolute. When the laws of the land contradict God’s commands, Christians must choose to obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29).
This principle is evident throughout the Bible in stories of civil disobedience, such as Daniel’s refusal to worship the golden image in Daniel 3 or the apostles’ refusal to stop preaching the gospel in Acts 5. In these situations, the believers chose to honor God above all, and God rewarded their faithfulness.
Trusting God’s Protection
The midwives’ defiance of Pharaoh was an act of courage, but it was also an act of faith. They trusted that God would protect them for doing what was right. Christians today are called to trust God’s protection in the midst of danger. Whether facing physical persecution, social ostracism, or moral challenges, we are called to remember that God is our ultimate protector (Psalm 23:4, Isaiah 41:10).
The example of the midwives reminds us that when we act in obedience to God, we can trust Him to guard and guide us. Just as God protected Shiphrah and Puah from Pharaoh’s wrath, He will protect those who faithfully serve Him.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 1:18 is not an isolated passage but is part of a larger biblical narrative about the conflict between earthly rulers and divine authority. Several other texts in the Bible reflect similar themes of disobedience to unjust authority and God’s sovereignty over human rulers.
Acts 5:29 – “We Ought to Obey God Rather Than Men”
In Acts 5:29, the apostles face the decision of whether to obey the Sanhedrin’s command to stop preaching about Jesus. The apostles respond, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” This statement reflects the same principle seen in Exodus 1:18: when the laws of the land conflict with God’s law, believers are called to prioritize obedience to God over obedience to human authorities.
Daniel 3 – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s Defiance
In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are ordered by King Nebuchadnezzar to bow down to a golden image. They refuse to obey the king’s command, saying, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace” (Daniel 3:17). Their defiance of the king parallels the midwives’ defiance of Pharaoh, and both stories emphasize the theme of trusting in God’s protection when standing for righteousness.
Matthew 10:28 – “Fear Not Them Which Kill the Body”
In Matthew 10:28, Jesus tells His disciples, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” This verse echoes the principle seen in Exodus 1:18, where the midwives feared God more than Pharaoh. Jesus encourages His followers to prioritize reverence for God over fear of human authorities, knowing that God holds ultimate authority over life and death.
Modern-Day Relevance
The message of Exodus 1:18 is highly relevant in today’s world, where believers continue to face pressures from secular authorities and societal norms to conform to practices that contradict God’s word. Whether it involves standing against abortion, defending religious freedom, or speaking out against injustice, Christians today are often called to defy oppressive or unjust systems in order to remain faithful to God’s commands.
As Christians engage with issues like political corruption, discrimination, or the sanctity of life, the example of the midwives in Exodus 1:18 offers a model of how to navigate these challenges. Like the midwives, Christians must fear God more than man, trust in God’s protection, and be willing to stand firm in the face of opposition.
Conclusion
Exodus 1:18 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Israelites’ oppression in Egypt, highlighting both Pharaoh’s anger and the midwives’ courage. Their act of defying Pharaoh’s evil decree serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of obeying God rather than man. Christians today are called to follow the example of Shiphrah and Puah, standing for righteousness, trusting in God’s protection, and fearing God more than any earthly ruler.
The passage also underscores the principle that God’s will will ultimately prevail, even when human rulers seek to oppose it. As we navigate the challenges of our own time, we can find comfort in knowing that, just as God worked through the actions of the midwives, He continues to work through His people today to accomplish His purposes in the world.
Related topics:
- What Does Exodus 1:17 Mean?
- Exodus 1:16 Meaning, Context & Commentary
- What Does Exodus 1:15 Mean?