Exodus 1:18

KJV

And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive?

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714} called {H7121} for the midwives {H3205}, and said {H559} unto them, Why {H4069} have ye done {H6213} this thing {H1697}, and have saved {H2421} the men children {H3206} alive {H2421}?

Complete Jewish Bible

The king of Egypt summoned the midwives and demanded of them, "Why have you done this and let the boys live?"

Berean Standard Bible

So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?”

American Standard Version

And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men-children alive?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 1:18 vividly portrays the direct confrontation between Pharaoh, the tyrannical king of Egypt, and the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah. In this pivotal moment, Pharaoh demands an explanation for their audacious defiance of his genocidal decree to murder all newborn male Israelite infants, thereby challenging his perceived absolute authority and setting the stage for a profound clash between human power and divine will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 1:18 serves as a dramatic turning point within the opening narrative of the Book of Exodus. It immediately follows Pharaoh's escalating and increasingly desperate attempts to suppress the burgeoning Israelite population. Having failed to curb their growth through brutal forced labor, as detailed in [Exodus 1:11-14](/exodus/1-11-14 "The Oppression of Israel in Egypt"), Pharaoh escalates his genocidal policy by directly commanding the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to murder all newborn male Israelite infants at birth ([Exodus 1:15-16](/exodus/1-15-16 "Pharaoh's Command to the Midwives")). However, the narrative explicitly states that these midwives, driven by a profound "fear of God," courageously defied the king's decree and "saved the men children alive" ([Exodus 1:17](/exodus/1-17 "The Midwives' Fear of God")). Thus, Exodus 1:18 captures Pharaoh's discovery of their insubordination and his direct, indignant interrogation, setting the stage for the unfolding drama of divine intervention and human resistance that will define the rest of the book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a highly centralized empire, with the Pharaoh considered a divine or semi-divine ruler whose word was absolute law. Disobeying Pharaoh was not merely a crime but an act of sacrilege, often punishable by death. The Egyptians, particularly the ruling class, would have viewed the rapid growth of a foreign, enslaved population like the Israelites as a significant demographic and national security threat, especially given their historical experiences with Hyksos rule. Midwifery was a respected and intimate profession, often passed down through generations, and these women would have been privy to the most vulnerable moments of Israelite families. Pharaoh's targeting of midwives demonstrates his attempt to exploit their trusted position for his genocidal ends, a tactic that would have been shocking in its cruelty even for the time. The very act of "saving alive" the male children directly challenged the core of Pharaoh's power and his divine mandate.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine sovereignty and human resistance** against oppressive powers, demonstrating that God's plan for His people will prevail despite human wickedness. Secondly, it introduces the critical theme of **the fear of God** as a foundational principle for righteous living and courageous action, contrasting it sharply with the fear of man or earthly rulers. The midwives' actions are explicitly tied to their reverence for God ([Exodus 1:17](/exodus/1-17 "The Midwives' Fear of God")). Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **God's providential care** for His covenant people, even in their deepest oppression, ensuring the survival of the lineage through which His promises, including the ultimate deliverer, would be fulfilled. This incident also foreshadows the larger conflict between God and Pharaoh that will dominate [the narrative of the plagues](/exodus/7-12 "The Plagues in Egypt") and the [Exodus itself](/exodus/1-15 "The Exodus from Egypt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **King (Hebrew, _melek'_):** From H4428, meaning "a king; king, royal." This word signifies not just a ruler but one with absolute authority and power in the ancient Near East. Pharaoh embodies this, and his calling of the midwives underscores his belief in his unquestionable dominion, even over life and death. His title here emphasizes the immense power dynamic at play and the audacity of the midwives' defiance against such a formidable figure.
* **Midwives (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** From H3205, a primitive root meaning "to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage." This root word highlights the very essence of their profession: bringing forth and preserving life. Pharaoh's command perverted their sacred role, turning them into agents of death. Their refusal to comply is a powerful affirmation of their God-given purpose to preserve life, directly contrasting with Pharaoh's destructive intent.
* **Saved alive (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** From H2421, a primitive root meaning "to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive; keep (leave, make) alive, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, restore (to life), revive, save (alive, life, lives)." This word is central to the verse's meaning, denoting the act of preserving life, bringing back to life, or causing to live. The midwives' actions directly counter Pharaoh's command to *not* let them live, emphasizing their life-affirming choice rooted in their fear of God. The repetition of the root (H2421) for "saved" and "alive" underscores the deliberate and successful preservation of life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king of Egypt called for the midwives,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes the power dynamic. Pharaoh, the supreme ruler of Egypt, initiates the confrontation. The act of "calling for" them is not a casual invitation but a summons, indicating his absolute authority and the gravity of the situation. It suggests a direct and personal interrogation, rather than delegating the matter, underscoring his exasperation and the perceived severity of their defiance against his royal decree.
* **"and said unto them,"**: This simple phrase introduces Pharaoh's direct address, indicating that the confrontation is face-to-face. The stage is set for a verbal exchange, where the immense power of Pharaoh's words (his commands) will clash with the midwives' actions (their disobedience). It highlights the personal nature of the challenge to his authority.
* **"Why have ye done this thing,"**: This is a rhetorical question, laden with indignation and astonishment. Pharaoh is not genuinely seeking information; rather, he is expressing his outrage and demanding an account for their insubordination. "This thing" refers to their direct violation of his genocidal command, implying an unthinkable act of defiance against his absolute will. It underscores his belief in his unquestionable authority and the audacity of their disobedience.
* **"and have saved the men children alive?"**: This second part of Pharaoh's question specifies the exact nature of their "thing." The phrase "saved the men children alive" directly echoes his prior command to kill them ([Exodus 1:16](/exodus/1-16 "Pharaoh's Command")). The repetition of the concept of "life" (saved... alive) emphasizes the direct thwarting of his genocidal intent. Pharaoh's focus on "men children" reveals his strategic aim: to prevent the growth of the Israelite male population, which he perceived as a military and demographic threat, thereby dismantling the nation and preventing any future uprising. The midwives' actions directly countered this strategic objective.

#### Literary Devices
This verse is rich with **dramatic tension** and **irony**. The dramatic tension is palpable as the all-powerful Pharaoh confronts two seemingly powerless women, creating a high-stakes encounter where their lives hang in the balance. The **rhetorical question**, "Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive?", serves not as an inquiry but as an an expression of Pharaoh's indignation, disbelief, and a demand for explanation regarding their insubordination. It highlights his assumption of unquestionable authority. There is also a powerful **contrast** established between Pharaoh's decree of death and the midwives' life-affirming actions, underscoring the clash between human evil and divine will. The mention of "men children" also functions as **synecdoche**, where a part (male infants) represents the whole (the future of the Israelite nation), emphasizing the strategic nature of Pharaoh's genocidal plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 1:18 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of authority, obedience, and divine providence. The midwives' courageous defiance embodies the principle that **God's moral law supersedes human decrees**, especially when those decrees are inherently evil and oppressive. Their actions are a powerful testament to the transformative power of the **fear of God**, which empowers individuals to resist injustice and choose righteousness, even in the face of overwhelming power and personal danger. This narrative also powerfully illustrates **God's active providence** in preserving His covenant people. Despite Pharaoh's absolute power and genocidal intent, God orchestrates events through the faithfulness of seemingly ordinary individuals to ensure the survival of Israel, thereby safeguarding the lineage through which His redemptive plan for humanity would ultimately unfold. This confrontation is a microcosm of the larger conflict between God and Pharaoh, where God's ultimate sovereignty is demonstrated through the subversion of human tyranny.

* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Obeying God Rather Than Men")
* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Daniel 3:16-18](/daniel/3-16-18 "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Defy Nebuchadnezzar")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 1:18 serves as a potent reminder for believers across all generations to discern between legitimate human authority and commands that directly contradict God's righteous will. The midwives' example challenges us to cultivate a profound "fear of the Lord" that transcends any fear of human power or consequence, enabling us to act with unwavering integrity and moral courage when faced with ethical dilemmas. This passage encourages us to consider where our ultimate allegiance lies and to understand that true obedience is measured by our faithfulness to God's unchanging moral law, even when it demands costly sacrifices. It also offers immense encouragement, demonstrating that God often uses the quiet faithfulness of seemingly ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary acts of justice, deliverance, and the advancement of His kingdom, reminding us that our individual acts of obedience can have far-reaching, even national and global, impact.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to prioritize human approval or authority over God's commands?**
* **How can cultivating a deeper "fear of the Lord" empower you to act with greater moral courage in difficult situations?**
* **Can you identify a time when you, or someone you know, chose to obey God rather than men, and what was the outcome?**
* **How does the story of the midwives encourage you about God's ability to use ordinary people for extraordinary purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pharaoh question the midwives directly instead of punishing them immediately?**

Answer: Pharaoh's direct interrogation highlights his absolute authority and his personal investment in the decree. He likely expected immediate obedience and was genuinely astonished by their defiance, wanting to understand the breakdown in his control before enacting punishment. It also sets the stage for the midwives' clever response in [Exodus 1:19](/exodus/1-19 "Midwives' Response to Pharaoh").

**What does "this thing" specifically refer to in Pharaoh's question?**

Answer: "This thing" refers directly to the midwives' act of saving the male Hebrew children alive, in direct violation of Pharaoh's explicit command given in [Exodus 1:16](/exodus/1-16 "Pharaoh's Command"). It encapsulates their profound act of disobedience to his genocidal order.

**Is the midwives' action an example of justified civil disobedience?**

Answer: Yes. When human laws or commands directly contradict God's moral law (such as the sanctity of human life), believers are called to obey God rather than men. The midwives' actions demonstrate a righteous refusal to participate in evil, prioritizing divine commands over unjust human decrees.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The courageous defiance of the midwives in Exodus 1:18, while seemingly a small act, is a vital thread in God's overarching redemptive narrative, powerfully foreshadowing the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus Christ. Their steadfast refusal to participate in infanticide preserved the very male lineage of Israel, ensuring the survival of the covenant people from whom the Messiah would ultimately descend, fulfilling the promise made to [Abraham](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Promise to Abraham"). Just as God providentially used these humble women to thwart the malevolent plans of a tyrannical king and protect His chosen people from physical annihilation, so too does Christ, the true and ultimate Deliverer, triumph decisively over the spiritual tyranny of sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He is the ultimate "man child" whose life was divinely preserved from Herod's similar decree ([Matthew 2:13-18](/matthew/2-13-18 "Herod's Slaughter of the Innocents")), and through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, all humanity can find deliverance from a bondage far greater and more pervasive than that of Egypt ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")). Christ establishes an eternal kingdom that defies and ultimately overcomes all earthly powers and principalities ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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.

Cross-References

Ecclesiastes 8:4

Where the word of a king [is, there is] power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?

2 Samuel 13:28

Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.