Exodus 1:20 meaning
In a time of oppression for the Israelites in Egypt, two midwives displayed remarkable courage and faithfulness by defying Pharaoh's genocidal orders. Rather than following the king's command to kill newborn Hebrew boys, they chose to obey God, demonstrating a profound reverence for life and divine authority. Their actions not only saved many infants but also highlighted the tension between human authority and God's commands, a theme deeply embedded in Biblical narrative.
Their fear of God led them to act righteously, and as a result, God rewarded them by building "houses" for them, signifying blessed families. This divine recompense underscores a key biblical concept: those who honor God's commandments and protect the innocent often see His favor and provision in their lives. This can be seen in how God intervened in dire circumstances to uphold His covenant promises despite the opposition from power structures like Pharaoh's regime. Thus, Exodus 1:20 reveals God's faithfulness to those who stand for righteousness.
The relevant scripture states, “Therefore God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied and became very mighty.” (Exodus 1:20, NASB95).
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:
- Numbers 1:20-46 meaning. Verses 20 – 46 relates the count of the number of men qualified for warfare by each tribe. The last three verses record the totals.
- Exodus 10:1-20 meaning. In the eighth plague, the LORD used that which was (and still is) a scourge to the Egyptians and others to this day – locusts. These insects were (and still are) voracious eaters of any plant life that they can find.
- Exodus 12:1-20 meaning. In preparation for the coming of the last plague, the LORD gave explicit instructions to Moses and Aaron about how to commemorate their deliverance by their LORD. It consisted of celebrating the Passover of the LORD when He would "pass over" the houses having the blood of a sacrificed animal on the door frame and not inflict the death of the firstborn on the household. They were to eat the Passover meal as a family. Along with this, they were instructed to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread after removing all leaven from their homes. They were to eat the unleavened bread for seven days, beginning and ending with a communal feast. The Passover and Unleavened feasts were to be celebrated every year from then on. It was to be a way for the people to be reminded of the LORD's deliverance. The Feast of Unleavened Bread continues in the Church in the form of the LORD's Supper, in which New Testament Christians are to remember that He delivered us from the power of sin and death.
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