Exodus 1:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But the midwives {H3205} feared {H3372} God {H430}, and did {H6213} not as the king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714} commanded {H1696} them, but saved {H2421} the men children {H3206} alive {H2421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, the midwives were God-fearing women, so they didn't do as the king of Egypt ordered but let the boys live.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 1:17 reveals the courageous faith of the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, who defied Pharaoh's genocidal command to kill all male Israelite infants. Prioritizing their reverence for God over fear of human authority, they actively preserved the lives of the Hebrew boys, an act of righteous civil disobedience pivotal in God's sovereign plan to protect His chosen people and ensure their survival.

### CONTEXT
Following the Israelites' rapid multiplication in Egypt, Pharaoh, feeling increasingly threatened by their growing numbers, escalated his oppression from forced labor to a genocidal decree targeting all male Hebrew infants. He likely assumed the midwives, who held a crucial yet vulnerable role in ancient society, would be easily coerced into executing his heinous order, unaware of their profound reverence for God, which would lead them to defy his tyrannical will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 1:17 states, "But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive." This verse stands as a powerful testament to moral courage and divine allegiance in the face of tyranny.

* **The Fear of God:** The phrase "feared God" (Hebrew: _yare' Elohim_) is central to understanding the midwives' actions. This "fear" is not terror or dread of punishment, but a profound reverence, awe, and moral conviction that prioritizes obedience to divine principles above all else. It signifies a deep respect for God's character and commands, leading to righteous action. This profound reverence for God directly contrasted with any potential fear of Pharaoh's wrath, demonstrating that their ultimate allegiance was to the Almighty.
* **Righteous Civil Disobedience:** Their decision to "not as the king of Egypt commanded them" constitutes a pivotal act of righteous civil disobedience. They consciously chose to uphold the sanctity of human life, a divine principle, even when it meant directly defying the most powerful human authority of their time. This act highlights a crucial biblical principle: when human laws directly contradict God's moral standards, obedience to God takes precedence over obedience to human authority, as seen later in the New Testament (cf. [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Peter and the apostles declare obedience to God over men")).
* **Divine Providence and Protection:** The midwives' courageous act was instrumental in preserving the lineage of Israel and, unbeknownst to them, the life of Moses, who would later deliver his people. Their actions underscore God's ability to use seemingly powerless individuals to thwart the plans of the mighty and advance His sovereign purposes, demonstrating His providence and protection over His chosen people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* The supremacy of the fear of God over the fear of man as the ultimate guide for moral action.
* The biblical precedent for righteous civil disobedience against unjust laws that violate divine commands.
* God's sovereign providence and protection of His covenant people, often through unexpected and seemingly weak instruments.
* The sanctity of human life, particularly in its most vulnerable stages, as a divine principle.
* God's blessing and favor upon those who obey Him, even at personal risk, as evidenced by God's subsequent dealing with the midwives (cf. [Exodus 1:20-21](/exodus/1-20 "God's blessing and the midwives' families")).
* The foundational role of the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom and right living (cf. [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom")).

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 1:17 serves as a timeless encouragement for believers, illustrating that God often uses ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary acts of faith. It challenges us to cultivate a profound fear of God that empowers us to prioritize His will above all human authority, especially when faced with commands that contradict divine principles. This narrative reminds us of the profound impact of individual moral courage and calls us to uphold the sanctity of life and trust in God's provision, even in the most perilous circumstances.

### FAQ
**What does "feared God" mean in this context?**

Answer: In this context, "feared God" (Hebrew: *yare' Elohim*) signifies a profound reverence, awe, and moral conviction that leads to obedience to God's commands and principles, rather than terror. It implies prioritizing God's will over human authority, even when it involves personal risk.

**Was the midwives' disobedience to Pharaoh justified?**

Answer: Yes, the midwives' disobedience is presented as righteous and divinely approved. Biblical principles indicate that when human laws directly contradict God's moral commands, particularly those concerning the sanctity of life, obedience to God takes precedence. Their actions are commended by God, who subsequently blessed them.

**What happened to the midwives after this event?**

Answer: [Exodus 1:20-21](/exodus/1-20 "God's blessing and the midwives' families") states that "God dealt well with the midwives" and "made them houses." This indicates divine favor and blessing, likely referring to prosperity, security, and the establishment of their own families or households, a significant blessing in ancient Israelite culture.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Exodus 1:17 directly portrays God's preservation of His people, it indirectly points towards Christ by highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant and His sovereign plan to preserve the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. The midwives' courageous act of preserving life foreshadows Christ, the ultimate preserver of life, who came to give eternal life to those who believe. Their obedience to God over human authority also prefigures Christ's perfect obedience to the Father, even unto death, which secured salvation for humanity and established the ultimate example of righteous submission to divine will.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.