Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 1:19 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 1:19 is a fascinating and pivotal verse within the broader narrative of the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt and their eventual deliverance by God. As we continue through the opening chapters of Exodus, the tension between Pharaoh‘s oppressive rule and God’s sovereignty begins to intensify. In this specific verse, the Hebrew midwives respond to Pharaoh’s inquiry as to why they did not follow his order to kill the male Hebrew infants. Their answer provides both insight into their character and reveals God’s role in their courageous actions. Exodus 1:19 also sets the stage for the continuing conflict between the forces of evil, represented by Pharaoh, and the forces of good, represented by the Israelites and the God who will deliver them.
This article will explore Exodus 1:19 in depth, examining its context, meaning, and application to life today. We will also compare this verse to other relevant biblical texts, explore its modern-day relevance, and provide a commentary on its spiritual implications for Christians.
The Context on Exodus 1:19 KJV
To understand the meaning of Exodus 1:19, we must first look at the broader context of the chapter. Exodus begins with a brief account of the Israelites’ multiplication in Egypt. While initially welcomed during Joseph’s time, the Israelites eventually grew in number, causing fear in the heart of the new Pharaoh, who did not remember Joseph (Exodus 1:8). The king of Egypt sought to limit the Israelites’ growth by enslaving them, subjecting them to hard labor in order to break their spirits and prevent them from growing too strong (Exodus 1:10-14).
When his plans fail to stop the Israelites’ rapid growth, Pharaoh takes more drastic measures, commanding the Hebrew midwives to kill all newborn Hebrew boys at birth (Exodus 1:15-16). However, the midwives, named Shiphrah and Puah, fear God rather than Pharaoh and refuse to carry out his orders, allowing the boys to live. When Pharaoh confronts them about their disobedience, they provide a clever and truthful explanation.
Exodus 1:19 (KJV) states:“And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.”
Here, the midwives explain to Pharaoh that Hebrew women give birth so quickly and with such vitality that they cannot arrive in time to carry out Pharaoh’s command to kill the male infants. This statement, while partly an explanation of their actions, also reflects their moral and spiritual convictions. The context highlights the deepening oppression of the Israelites and sets the stage for God’s dramatic intervention in the following chapters.
The Exodus 1:19 Meaning
Exodus 1:19 reveals several key themes, each contributing to our understanding of the text’s significance. This verse represents both the wisdom and courage of the Hebrew midwives, their moral integrity, and God’s involvement in their act of civil disobedience.
The Midwives’ Clever Response
The response given by the midwives to Pharaoh’s inquiry is both a diplomatic answer and an expression of their refusal to participate in an immoral and unjust act. The midwives claim that the Hebrew women are unusually strong and give birth before they can arrive. This explanation is not entirely false. While it may be somewhat exaggerated, it serves as a tactical and respectful way to avoid disobeying Pharaoh while maintaining the sanctity of life.
Their statement about the Hebrew women being “lively” and delivering babies before the midwives can arrive might imply that Hebrew women were more vigorous and able to give birth without assistance, or it could suggest that the midwives simply never had the opportunity to intervene due to the rapid births. Regardless of the specific details, the midwives’ action demonstrates that they prioritized the sanctity of life above Pharaoh’s decree.
The Midwives’ Fear of God
The Hebrew midwives’ refusal to comply with Pharaoh’s command and their clever evasion of his inquiry emphasize their “fear of God” (Exodus 1:17). The fear of God in the Bible is not terror or anxiety but a deep reverence for God’s authority, justice, and holiness. The midwives recognized that obeying Pharaoh’s command would be a violation of God’s moral law, which values and protects human life (Psalm 139:13-16, Jeremiah 1:5).
Their fear of God, rather than fear of Pharaoh, empowered them to act in a way that was contrary to the laws of Egypt but aligned with God’s righteousness. Their disobedience to Pharaoh is a form of civil disobedience rooted in a higher moral law—God’s law.
Pharaoh’s Anger and the Midwives’ Integrity
While Pharaoh is angered by the midwives’ disobedience, the text also hints at the fact that his attempts to control the situation were thwarted by the courage and integrity of these two women. Pharaoh’s power is shown to be limited by the sovereign will of God. Even though Pharaoh’s anger is great, his authority cannot overrule God’s will, which will eventually lead to the deliverance of the Israelites.
Exodus 1:19 is significant because it marks the moment when Pharaoh’s oppressive rule is effectively resisted. The fact that Pharaoh could not achieve his desired outcome—slaughtering the male infants—speaks to God’s sovereignty over earthly kings and rulers, reinforcing the theme that God’s purposes cannot be thwarted, no matter the strength of earthly authorities.
Exodus 1:19 Application in Life
Exodus 1:19 offers several lessons that can be applied to modern-day Christian life, especially concerning the themes of obedience, civil disobedience, and the sanctity of life.
Obeying God Over Human Authority
One of the central applications of Exodus 1:19 is the principle that Christians must obey God rather than man, especially when human laws conflict with God’s commands. The midwives’ civil disobedience serves as a powerful example for Christians who may face situations where their faith and conscience compel them to act in ways that are contrary to the prevailing laws or societal norms.
For instance, if a government or society endorses practices that violate biblical values, such as abortion or euthanasia, Christians are called to take a stand in favor of life and justice, even when it goes against governmental policies. Exodus 1:19 teaches that God honors those who fear Him and choose to follow His commands above all.
Courage in the Face of Adversity
The midwives’ decision to defy Pharaoh required great courage, as it put their own lives at risk. They acted knowing the potential consequences, including imprisonment or death. Christians are often called to demonstrate similar courage in their faith, especially when facing persecution for their beliefs. Whether standing up for religious freedom, speaking out against injustice, or simply living according to Christian principles, believers are called to demonstrate integrity and courage in a world that may not always respect or support their faith.
The example of the Hebrew midwives encourages Christians to remain steadfast in their commitment to God’s moral laws, regardless of the pressures or consequences they may face.
The Sanctity of Life
Exodus 1:19 highlights the sacredness of life, which is an important theme throughout the Bible. God’s commandment to “not kill” (Exodus 20:13) reflects the intrinsic value of human life. The midwives chose to preserve life rather than follow Pharaoh’s decree to murder innocent children. Christians today are called to uphold the sanctity of life, from conception to natural death, by advocating for the unborn, supporting the vulnerable, and opposing practices such as abortion and euthanasia.
This principle extends beyond simply opposing harmful practices; it includes actively working to protect and support life through advocacy, care for the marginalized, and a commitment to justice.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 1:19 is part of a broader biblical tradition of civil disobedience and standing firm for righteousness in the face of oppressive authority. Several other biblical stories parallel the actions of the midwives, demonstrating the importance of obeying God rather than man.
Daniel 3 – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s Defiance
In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image, despite the threat of death. Their refusal to worship the idol is another example of civil disobedience grounded in faithfulness to God. Like the midwives, these three men chose to obey God rather than man, even when faced with dire consequences.
Acts 5:29 – “We Must Obey God Rather Than Men”
The apostles in Acts 5 face a similar dilemma when they are commanded by the Sanhedrin to stop preaching in the name of Jesus. They respond, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). This echoes the same sentiment as the midwives in Exodus 1:19—when the laws of man contradict the commands of God, believers must stand firm in their obedience to God’s higher law.
Matthew 10:28 – Fear God, Not Man
In Matthew 10:28, Jesus tells His disciples not to fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, they should fear God, who has authority over both body and soul. This verse echoes the fear of God displayed by the midwives in Exodus 1:19. It reminds Christians to prioritize their reverence for God over any fear of human rulers or societal pressures.
Modern-Day Relevance
Exodus 1:19 speaks directly to modern Christians, who often face situations where obedience to God may require standing against unjust laws or societal pressures.
The story of the Hebrew midwives in Exodus 1:19 continues to offer a powerful model for Christians in today’s world, especially in times of moral conflict or when their faith is challenged by societal or governmental pressures. As we reflect on the context, meaning, and modern-day application of this passage, several key themes emerge that can help guide our actions and attitudes as believers in the world today.
Conclusion
Exodus 1:19 is a verse rich with meaning and timeless application. It presents the courage and wisdom of the Hebrew midwives as they defy Pharaoh’s evil command to kill the Hebrew infants. Their act of righteous disobedience provides a powerful example for Christians today, illustrating the importance of fearing God rather than man and obeying God’s commands, even when confronted with opposition.
In all things, we are reminded that God’s will cannot be thwarted, no matter the opposition. Just as Pharaoh’s evil decree was thwarted by the courageous actions of two midwives, so too will God’s plan for His people unfold, and His purposes will be accomplished, even in the most unlikely of circumstances.
Exodus 1:19 Commentary
In Exodus 1:19, the Hebrew midwives’ answer to Pharaoh is rich with meaning and provides a profound theological insight into how God operates in the world. It is important to note that their answer is not just a clever excuse to avoid murder, but a clear statement of their priorities. Their explanation speaks to the vital role that women played in the early community of the Israelites and highlights their involvement in preserving life.
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