Exodus 1:17 meaning
The account in this verse reveals the courageous defiance of the Hebrew midwives against Pharaoh's brutal decree to kill newborn Hebrew boys. Despite facing the might of the Egyptian empire, these women demonstrated their profound fear of God over the fear of man. Their actions set a precedent for standing firm in faith against unjust authority, a principle echoed throughout biblical history. This moment highlights that moral and ethical dilemmas often demand prioritizing obedience to God over compliance with human laws.
In Exodus 1:17, the midwives are celebrated not only for their bravery but also for their integrity in preserving life, affirming the sacredness of human existence as ordained by God. Their wise justification to Pharaoh about the swift childbirth of Hebrew women may also indicate a divine intervention that facilitated their disobedience. Ultimately, their fear of God led to divine favor, as God rewarded these midwives with families of their own. This narrative serves as a testament that God honors and blesses those who align their actions with His will, even in the face of formidable opposition.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Exodus 1:15-22 meaning. The second plan was even more severe – the midwives were to kill all the male Hebrew sons when they are born. But this plan also failed because the midwives feared God more than Pharaoh.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Exodus 17:1-7 meaning. After the provision of food (manna and quail) had been established, the Israelites continued their trek toward Mt. Sinai, also called Horeb, moving to a place called Rephedim. Here, they found no water to drink. The people complained to Moses, who in turn cried out to the LORD for guidance. The LORD told him to go to a rock at Horeb and strike it with the same staff that he used to strike the Nile River in Egypt. The people got water, and the location received two names—Massah and Meribah.
- Exodus 40:1-16 meaning. The LORD commands Moses to set up the tabernacle. All of its components have now been built, so Moses assembles them.
- Exodus 6:1-5 meaning. The first nine verses of chapter six contain the LORD’s answer to Moses’ complaint to the LORD. The first verse answers Moses’ complaint that the LORD has not fulfilled His promised deliverance. Verses 2 – 9 answer the question concerning who the source of the commands to leave Egypt is and repeats the promised deliverance.
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