Exodus 1:17

Letters to the Faithful - Exodus 1:17

Berean Standard Bible

The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live.

King James Bible

But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.

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The verse Exodus 1:17, “But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive,” stands as a pivotal moment in the narrative of Israel’s oppression in Egypt, highlighting the courageous faith and moral integrity of the Hebrew midwives in the face of tyrannical authority. Positioned within the opening chapter of Exodus, which sets the stage for God’s deliverance of His people, this verse underscores themes of divine providence, human obedience to God over human rulers, and the power of seemingly insignificant acts to shape redemptive history. To fully unpack Exodus 1:17, we must explore its historical and literary context, theological significance, and practical implications, weaving together the threads of faith, resistance, and God’s preservation of His covenant people.

The verse occurs within the broader narrative of Exodus 1, which describes the Israelites’ growth in Egypt after the time of Joseph and the new Pharaoh’s oppressive response to their proliferation (Exodus 1:7-14). Fearing the Israelites’ numbers and potential disloyalty, Pharaoh issues a cruel edict to the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, commanding them to kill all male Hebrew newborns while sparing the females (Exodus 1:16). This policy of infanticide is a brutal attempt to curb Israel’s growth and ensure Egyptian dominance, reflecting the paranoia and ruthlessness of a ruler who “knew not Joseph” (Exodus 1:8). The historical context likely places these events in the New Kingdom period of Egypt (circa 13th–15th century BC), possibly under a Pharaoh like Ramses II, though the exact identity remains debated. The midwives, named explicitly in Exodus 1:15, are significant figures, as naming them contrasts with the unnamed Pharaoh, elevating their status in the narrative and foreshadowing their pivotal role in God’s plan.

The phrase “But the midwives feared God” is the theological heart of the verse, revealing the motivating force behind their actions. The “fear of God” (Hebrew yare’ Elohim) denotes a reverential awe and obedience to God’s authority, a recurring theme in Scripture that signifies covenantal loyalty and moral integrity (e.g., Genesis 22:12, Proverbs 9:10). For the midwives, this fear is not merely personal piety but a radical commitment to prioritize God’s will over human decrees, even at great personal risk. In the ancient Near Eastern context, defying a Pharaoh, who was considered divine or semi-divine, was an act of extraordinary courage, as it could result in severe punishment or death. The midwives’ fear of God reflects their recognition of a higher moral authority, rooted in the belief that life is sacred and under God’s sovereignty, not Pharaoh’s. This stance aligns with the broader biblical narrative, where God’s people are called to obey Him above earthly powers when human commands conflict with divine principles (e.g., Daniel 3:16-18, Acts 5:29).

The clause “and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them” highlights the midwives’ active resistance to Pharaoh’s edict. Their disobedience is not passive but deliberate, choosing to act contrary to a direct royal command. The text does not specify how they managed this defiance—perhaps by delaying action, misreporting outcomes, or quietly ensuring the safety of the infants—but their refusal to comply demonstrates both courage and ingenuity. This act of civil disobedience is one of the earliest recorded examples in Scripture, setting a precedent for resisting unjust authority when it violates God’s moral order. The midwives’ actions contrast sharply with Pharaoh’s attempt to destroy life, embodying a commitment to God’s life-affirming purposes as seen in His blessing of fruitfulness to Israel (Exodus 1:7, Genesis 12:2-3).

The phrase “but saved the men children alive” underscores the tangible outcome of their faith and disobedience. The Hebrew verb chayah (“to keep alive” or “to let live”) emphasizes their deliberate effort to preserve life, directly thwarting Pharaoh’s genocidal intent. This action not only protects individual lives, including that of Moses (Exodus 2:1-10), but also ensures the continuation of God’s covenant people, through whom the promise to Abraham would be fulfilled (Genesis 15:5). The midwives’ role, though seemingly minor, has profound implications, as their faithfulness contributes to the preservation of Israel and the eventual exodus, a central event in salvation history. Their actions illustrate God’s providence, working through ordinary individuals to accomplish His redemptive purposes, even in the face of overwhelming power.

Literarily, Exodus 1:17 is concise yet powerful, functioning as a turning point in the narrative. It shifts the focus from Pharaoh’s oppressive decree to the midwives’ faithful response, creating a contrast between human tyranny and divine faithfulness. The verse’s structure—beginning with “but” (Hebrew vav, indicating contrast)—highlights the unexpected defiance of the midwives, subverting the expectation that Pharaoh’s command would prevail. The naming of Shiphrah and Puah, unique in a narrative where many figures (including Pharaoh) remain anonymous, elevates their significance, portraying them as heroic figures whose faith disrupts the oppressor’s plans. The verse also foreshadows God’s blessing on the midwives (Exodus 1:20-21), reinforcing the biblical principle that God honors those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30).

Theologically, Exodus 1:17 reveals several key truths. First, it affirms the supremacy of God’s authority over human rulers, teaching that obedience to God takes precedence when human commands contradict divine principles. The midwives’ fear of God reflects a worldview where God is the ultimate arbiter of right and wrong, a perspective that challenges any system that claims absolute power. Second, the verse underscores the sanctity of life, as the midwives’ actions align with God’s creative and covenantal purposes to bless and multiply His people. Third, it highlights God’s providence, demonstrating that He works through human agents, even those of humble status, to accomplish His will. The midwives’ faithfulness illustrates the biblical theme that God uses the weak to confound the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27), a motif seen throughout Exodus in figures like Moses and Miriam. Finally, the verse points to the moral courage required of God’s people, showing that faith is not passive but active, often requiring bold action in the face of injustice.

Practically, Exodus 1:17 speaks powerfully to contemporary believers. The midwives’ example challenges Christians to cultivate a fear of God that surpasses fear of human authorities, especially when faced with unjust or immoral demands. Their courage invites reflection on the role of conscience in resisting oppression, whether in systemic injustices or personal ethical dilemmas. The verse also encourages believers to value life and act to protect the vulnerable, drawing parallels to modern issues like human rights, advocacy for the marginalized, or defending the sanctity of life. The midwives’ seemingly small act of defiance reminds believers that faithfulness in ordinary moments can have far-reaching impact, contributing to God’s larger redemptive plan. For those facing persecution or pressure to conform, the verse offers assurance that God sees and rewards faithful obedience (Exodus 1:20-21), providing hope and motivation to stand firm.

In conclusion, Exodus 1:17 is a profound verse that encapsulates the power of faith-driven resistance in the face of oppression. Through the midwives’ fear of God, their refusal to obey Pharaoh’s cruel command, and their life-preserving actions, the verse highlights God’s sovereignty, the sanctity of life, and the significance of faithful obedience. Set against the backdrop of Israel’s oppression, it foreshadows God’s deliverance and affirms His providence through human agents. For modern readers, it offers a timeless call to prioritize God’s authority, act courageously for justice, and trust in His purposes, knowing that even small acts of faithfulness can shape history under His sovereign hand.

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To the chosen people of God—scattered across cities and fields, nations and neighborhoods, homes and houses of worship—greetings in the name of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God who sees, who hears, and who delivers. Grace and strength be multiplied to you from the One who calls ordinary people into extraordinary obedience, from the One whose authority outweighs every earthly throne.

I write to you today with a burdened heart, stirred by the ancient story of two women whose names were not known by kings but are remembered by heaven. Their names—Shiphrah and Puah—are tucked within the early verses of the book of deliverance, when the children of Israel groaned beneath the weight of oppression in Egypt. The edicts of a fearful Pharaoh had darkened the land. He, like so many rulers intoxicated by power, grew paranoid at the growth of God's people and resolved to destroy the future by targeting the sons of Israel at birth. Yet it was in that moment, amidst tyranny and terror, that two Hebrew midwives took their stand—not by sword, not by protest, but by quiet, courageous disobedience.

The Scripture tells us simply and profoundly: The midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them. In those few words lies a truth that is as relevant today as it was then: to fear God rightly is to resist evil boldly. To know His authority is to recognize when man’s authority must be refused. The fear of the Lord, in the hearts of these women, outweighed the fear of death, of Pharaoh, or of being misunderstood. They did not raise their voices in rebellion; they simply chose righteousness. And heaven recorded it.

Beloved, we live in a day when Pharaohs still rise—political powers that make decrees against life, cultural movements that demand the compromise of truth, social systems that punish godly conviction and reward moral surrender. The pressure to conform is constant, subtle, and often cloaked in the language of compassion or progress. But beneath the surface, it is often a spirit of fear—the fear of man—that seeks to control the people of God. The temptation is to comply quietly, to do what is expected, to protect our position, our livelihood, our reputation.

But I write to you now with the voice of an elder calling out from the pages of Scripture: fear God more than you fear man. Reverence for the Almighty must anchor every action and decision. His Word must outweigh every human voice. His commands must have final authority, even when they conflict with the laws of kings or the customs of society.

The fear of God is not terror, but awe. It is not panic, but reverence. It is not superstition, but submission. To fear God is to live with the weighty awareness that His eyes are upon you, His truth is before you, and His glory is your ultimate aim. This fear is not bondage—it is freedom. For the one who fears God rightly is no longer enslaved by the opinions of people. They are not moved by threats, nor seduced by applause. They serve one Master and stand before one Judge.

The midwives understood this. They had no armies. They had no political power. But they had something greater: holy fear. They had clear sight of the difference between man’s command and God’s righteousness. And when the moment of decision came, they chose the path of quiet resistance and faithfulness. They preserved life. They defended the vulnerable. They refused to become instruments of destruction.

Let this be a model for you, Church. We are living in days of ethical compromise, when laws are written that defy the sacred, when truth is labeled hate, and when life—especially the most fragile and voiceless—is often deemed expendable. In such days, you must not retreat. You must not remain silent where God calls you to speak. You must not comply where God has forbidden. Whether in the realm of family, medicine, education, justice, or worship, your allegiance must be clear: God first.

But let this also be a call to humility and grace. Shiphrah and Puah did not fight fire with fire. They did not mock Pharaoh. They did not rage. They simply refused to participate in evil. And God honored them. He preserved them, and He multiplied His people. Their faithfulness became part of the foundation for Israel’s deliverance.

So too, your quiet faithfulness matters. Every time you choose truth when it costs you, every time you protect life, defend innocence, uphold holiness, or speak against injustice—you are joining the long line of those who feared God more than man. You may feel small. You may feel unseen. But the God who sees in secret will reward in His time. You may not change an empire, but you may preserve a life. And heaven records such moments with joy.

Let your heart be emboldened by this truth: God is not passive in these battles. He is the Deliverer still. He is not impressed by Pharaohs or shaken by threats. He watches over His people. He honors the faithful. He frustrates the plans of the wicked. And He brings deliverance in His perfect time.

Therefore, take courage. Stand firm. Live by conviction, not convenience. Train your children in the fear of the Lord. Build your homes on truth. Work with integrity. Serve with compassion. Speak with clarity. And when your moment comes—whether great or small—choose to obey God rather than men. Let your name be found among those who loved not their lives even unto death, who did not bow to cultural idols, who feared the Lord and walked in His ways.

May the Spirit of wisdom and boldness fill you. May the example of the midwives inspire you. And may the presence of the living God sustain you—now and until the day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

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O Sovereign and Almighty God,

You who rule with justice from the throne of eternity and who stoop with tenderness toward the humble, we lift our voices to You in awe and holy fear. You are the Lord of life, the Defender of the helpless, and the Judge of all the earth. You spoke into chaos and brought forth order, and in every generation, You have raised up those who would fear Your name above the threats of kings and the commands of men. We come before You now, in a world full of conflicting voices, to align our hearts again with Your voice—the voice that brings truth, the voice that leads to righteousness, the voice that defends life.

We thank You for the example of the women who stood between the decree of death and the promise of life, who feared You more than the might of Pharaoh, who valued obedience to heaven over conformity to man. They did not wield swords, nor did they carry political authority, yet they moved with courage because they revered Your authority. They feared Your name more than their own loss. Let that kind of holy fear awaken in us again. Let it rise up in our spirits—not as terror, but as awe-filled allegiance to You above all powers and principalities.

Lord, we confess that we have often feared the opinions of others more than we have feared grieving Your Spirit. We have sometimes obeyed the pressure of culture rather than the commandments of heaven. We have gone silent when You were calling us to speak. We have withdrawn when You were calling us to act. We have bowed to comfort when You were calling us to courage. Forgive us, merciful Father. Forgive us for every time we have protected our place instead of protecting Your truth. Forgive us for every moment we chose ease over faithfulness, for every life we could have defended but did not.

And now, Lord, ignite in us the same fire that burned in the hearts of those faithful midwives who preserved life at the risk of their own. Teach us to discern the difference between what man requires and what You require. Let us be filled with the kind of reverence that says, “We must obey God rather than men.” Raise up in our hearts a loyalty that cannot be bribed, a courage that cannot be bought, a conviction that cannot be silenced.

We ask You to make us a people who do what is right, even when no one is watching, even when the consequences are costly. Give us the wisdom to recognize when we are standing at a crossroads. Give us the clarity to see the schemes of darkness, even when they are dressed in polite language and noble causes. Let us not be deceived by smooth words that hide evil intentions. Let us see clearly where death is masquerading as progress, where compromise is clothed in the language of tolerance, where the enemy seeks to dismantle what You have built.

Lord, raise up a Church that stands with the vulnerable. Let us be like those who safeguarded the lives of infants in secret—those who refused to let culture dictate morality, those who preserved the innocent in the face of systemic cruelty. Let us never grow numb to the shedding of innocent blood. Let us never grow indifferent to the cries of the unborn, the oppressed, the abused, and the discarded. You are the God who sees, and we ask to see with Your eyes.

Let Your fear purify our motives. Let it cleanse our ambitions. Let it anchor our decisions. Let it draw us to holiness and away from compromise. Teach us again that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom—not the fear of man, not the fear of failure, not the fear of loss, but the fear of grieving the heart of our Holy God.

And Lord, when our time comes to stand, let us be ready. Whether in quiet decisions made behind closed doors, or in public moments of costly obedience, let us choose faithfulness. Let us say yes to You when the world tells us no. Let us preserve what is sacred when society casts it away. Let us speak when silence would be easier, and love when hatred would be applauded.

For those in positions of influence—midwives of today, doctors, teachers, counselors, legislators, mothers and fathers—grant them courage to fear You more than policy or pressure. Let them see their daily work as sacred resistance. Let them know they are not alone. Let them sense the nearness of Your presence when they make decisions that cost them comfort or reputation. Let the fear of God uphold them like a rock beneath their feet.

We pray for the rising generation, that they would grow up with a holy fire in their hearts, unashamed of the truth and unshaken by threats. Let them learn early what it means to choose righteousness over popularity, holiness over trend, conviction over convenience. Let them love life and defend it with boldness, not by might nor by power, but by Your Spirit.

Lord, let us live as those who answer to a higher court, who serve a greater King, who obey a more righteous law. Let our lives be a continual offering of obedience. And let our names be written not in the halls of man's approval, but in the testimony of heaven—those who feared God and did not do as man commanded when man defied the ways of the Lord.

Preserve us, keep us, embolden us, and make us faithful. And when our story is told—whether in this life or in the next—let it be said that we feared You, and we acted in truth.

In the name of the Holy One who reigns over kings and who will return in glory,

Amen.

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In shadows deep where orders rang,  

A ruler's fear, a ruthless clang—  

"Let sons not see the morning light,  

Extinguish hope, extinguish right."

But two stood firm with hearts aglow,  

Shiphrah, Puah—names history knows.  

They saw the tears, the labor cries,  

And glimpsed God's mercy in newborn eyes.

"No," they breathed beneath the sun,  

"Each infant boy a life begun.  

Not ours to steal what God has made,  

Nor bend our truth to power's blade."

No sword or threat their will could shake,  

They bore the cost, for conscience’ sake.  

For kingdoms fall and empires cease,  

But hearts that stand in love make peace.

So fear not Pharaoh’s thundered word,  

When God’s quiet call has stirred.  

For even now, through time and flame,  

We bless the ones who dared His name.