TRV
Translation
King James Version
Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.
Complete Jewish Bible
Therefore God prospered the midwives, and the people continued to multiply and grow very powerful.
Berean Standard Bible
So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied and became even more numerous.
American Standard Version
And God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.
World English Bible Messianic
God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied, and grew very mighty.
Geneva Bible (1599)
God therefore prospered the midwiues, and the people multiplied and were very mightie.
Young's Literal Translation
And God doth good to the midwives, and the people multiply, and are very mighty;
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In the KJVVerse 1,553 of 31,102
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Commentary on Exodus 1 verses 15–22
15 ¶ And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah:
16 And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.
17 But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.
18 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?
19 And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.
20 Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.
21 And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.
22 And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.
The Egyptians' indignation at Israel's increase, notwithstanding the many hardships they put upon them, drove them at length to the most barbarous and inhuman methods of suppressing them, by the murder of their children. It was strange that they did not rather pick quarrels with the grown men, against whom they might perhaps find some occasion: to be thus bloody towards the infants, whom all must own to be innocents, was a sin which they had to cloak for. Note, 1. There is more cruelty in the corrupt heart of man than one would imagine, Rom 3:15, Rom 3:16. The enmity that is in the seed of the serpent against the seed of the woman divests men of humanity itself, and makes them forget all pity. One would not think it possible that ever men should be so barbarous and blood-thirsty as the persecutors of God's people have been, Rev 17:6. 2. Even confessed innocence is no defence against the old enmity. What blood so guiltless as that of a child new-born? Yet that is prodigally shed like water, and sucked with delight like milk or honey. Pharaoh and Herod sufficiently proved themselves agents for that great red dragon, who stood to devour the man-child as soon as it was born, Rev 12:3, Rev 12:4. Pilate delivered Christ to be crucified, after he had confessed that he found no fault in him. It is well for us that, though man can kill the body, this is all he can do. Two bloody edicts are here signed for the destruction of all the male children that were born to the Hebrews.
I. The midwives were commanded to murder them. Observe, 1. The orders given them, Exo 1:15, Exo 1:16. It added much to the barbarity of the intended executions that the midwives were appointed to be the executioners; for it was to make them, not only bloody, but perfidious, and to oblige them to betray a trust, and to destroy those whom they undertook to save and help. Could he think that their sex would admit such cruelty, and their employment such base treachery? Note, Those who are themselves barbarous think to find, or make, others as barbarous. Pharaoh's project was secretly to engage the midwives to stifle the men-children as soon as they were born, and then to lay it upon the difficulty of the birth, or some mischance common in that case, Job 3:11. The two midwives he tampered with in order hereunto are here named; and perhaps, at this time, which was above eighty years before their going out of Egypt, those two might suffice for all the Hebrew women, at least so many of them as lay near the court, as it is plain by Exo 2:5, Exo 2:6, many of them did, and of them he was most jealous. They are called Hebrew midwives, probably not because they were themselves Hebrews (for surely Pharaoh could never expect they should be so barbarous to those of their own nation), but because they were generally made use of by the Hebrews; and, being Egyptians, he hoped to prevail with them. 2. Their pious disobedience to this impious command, Exo 1:17. They feared God, regarded his law, and dreaded his wrath more than Pharaoh's and therefore saved the men-children alive. Note, If men's commands be any way contrary to the commands of God, we must obey God and not man, Act 4:19; Act 5:29. No power on earth can warrant us, much less oblige us, to sin against God, our chief Lord. Again, Where the fear of God rules in the heart, it will preserve it from the snare which the inordinate fear of man brings. 3. Their justifying themselves in this disobedience, when they were charged with it as a crime, Exo 1:18. They gave a reason for it, which, it seems, God's gracious promise furnished them with - that they came too late to do it, for generally the children were born before they came, Exo 1:19. I see no reason we have to doubt the truth of this; it is plain that the Hebrews were now under an extraordinary blessing of increase, which may well be supposed to have this effect, that the women had very quick and easy labour, and, the mothers and children being both lively, they seldom needed the help of midwives: this these midwives took notice of, and, concluding it to the finger of God, were thereby emboldened to disobey the king, in favour of those whom Heaven thus favoured, and with this justified themselves before Pharaoh, when he called them to an account for it. Some of the ancient Jews expound it thus, Ere the midwife comes to them they pray to their Father in heaven, and he answereth them, and they do bring forth. Note, God is a readier help to his people in distress than any other helpers are, and often anticipates them with the blessings of his goodness; such deliverances lay them under peculiarly strong obligations. 4. The recompence God gave them for their tenderness towards his people: He dealt well with them, Exo 1:20. Note, God will be behind-hand with none for any kindness done to his people, taking it as done to himself. In particular, he made them houses (Exo 1:21), built them up into families, blessed their children, and prospered them in all they did. Note, The services done for God's Israel are often repaid in kind. The midwives kept up the Israelites' houses, and, in recompence for it, God made them houses. Observe, The recompence has relation to the principle upon which they went: Because they feared God, he made them houses. Note, Religion and piety are good friends to outward prosperity: the fear of God in a house will help to build it up and establish it. Dr. Lightfoot's notion of it is, That, for their piety, they were married to Israelites, and Hebrew families were built up by them.
II. When this project did not take effect, Pharaoh gave public orders to all his people to drown all the male children of the Hebrews, Exo 1:22. We may suppose it was made highly penal for any to know of the birth of a son to an Israelite, and not to give information to those who were appointed to throw him into the river. Note, The enemies of the church have been restless in their endeavours to wear out the saints of the Most High, Dan 7:25. But he that sits in heaven shall laugh at them. See Psa 2:4.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 15–22. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 1:20 powerfully illustrates God's active blessing upon the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, for their courageous, God-fearing defiance of Pharaoh's genocidal decree. This verse highlights God's unwavering sovereignty and providential care, demonstrating how He not only rewarded the midwives but also miraculously caused the Israelite population to continue multiplying and growing exceptionally mighty, thereby thwarting Pharaoh's oppressive schemes and advancing His divine plan for His covenant people.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Exodus 1:20 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. Contrast is central, juxtaposing Pharaoh's malevolent attempts at genocide with God's benevolent and life-affirming actions. Pharaoh seeks to diminish and destroy, while God acts to bless, multiply, and strengthen. The phrase "waxed very mighty" utilizes Hyperbole and Intensification, emphasizing the extraordinary and supernatural nature of Israel's growth in power and numbers, far exceeding what would be expected under such oppressive conditions. This serves to highlight Divine Intervention as the primary force at work, demonstrating God's active hand in preserving His people. The verse also functions as a form of Fulfillment of Prophecy, implicitly referencing God's earlier covenant promises to Abraham regarding his numerous descendants, showcasing God's faithfulness to His word despite human opposition.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 1:20 is a powerful testament to God's active sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It illustrates that human wickedness and tyrannical power, no matter how formidable, cannot ultimately thwart God's divine purposes. God not only rewards faithfulness (as seen in His blessing of the midwives) but also supernaturally intervenes to protect and prosper His chosen ones, ensuring the fulfillment of His promises. This verse sets the stage for the Exodus narrative by demonstrating God's power to create a numerous and strong nation, ready for deliverance and the establishment of His kingdom. It underscores that true might comes from divine favor, not human oppression.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 1:20 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today, particularly in times of adversity or moral compromise. The midwives' courageous choice to "fear God" more than Pharaoh serves as a powerful example of prioritizing divine commands over unjust human decrees. This verse reminds us that true faithfulness often requires moral courage and a willingness to stand against prevailing societal or governmental pressures when they conflict with God's word. God honors such integrity, often responding with unexpected blessings and protection. Furthermore, the miraculous multiplication of the Israelites, despite Pharaoh's genocidal efforts, provides immense hope. It assures us that God's plans are unthwartable, His power is supreme, and He remains actively at work, even when circumstances seem dire or overwhelming. We can trust that God will preserve His people and advance His kingdom, often through means that defy human logic, demonstrating His sovereign control over all things, including the most oppressive regimes. This should inspire us to live boldly for Christ, confident in His ultimate victory and His providential care for those who trust Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "dealt well" imply about God's character?
Answer: The phrase "dealt well" (Hebrew: yâṭab) implies several aspects of God's character. It reveals His benevolence and justice, showing that He is not indifferent to human suffering or righteous acts. It demonstrates His attentiveness to the faithful actions of His servants and His willingness to actively intervene to bless and prosper them. This "dealing well" is a manifestation of His covenant faithfulness, rewarding those who prioritize His will and fear Him above human authority, even when it involves significant personal risk. It underscores His character as a God who sees, remembers, and rewards.
How did God specifically "deal well" with the midwives?
Answer: While Exodus 1:20 states God "dealt well" generally, the very next verse, Exodus 1:21, clarifies the specific nature of this blessing: "because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses." This phrase "made them houses" is widely interpreted to mean that God granted them families, descendants, and lasting prosperity. In ancient Near Eastern culture, having a "house" (referring to a lineage or family) was a significant blessing, ensuring one's legacy and well-being. This was a direct, tangible reward for their courage and obedience, contrasting sharply with Pharaoh's attempts to destroy the "houses" of the Israelites.
Why was the multiplication of the Israelites so significant in this context?
Answer: The multiplication of the Israelites was profoundly significant for multiple reasons. Theologically, it was a miraculous and undeniable fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham to make his descendants into a great and numerous nation (Genesis 12:2 and Genesis 17:6). Practically, it demonstrated God's sovereignty over Pharaoh's genocidal plans, showing that no human power, no matter how mighty, could thwart His divine will. It also served to prepare a numerous and strong people for the upcoming exodus and the establishment of a nation in the Promised Land, highlighting God's providential care in preserving His chosen people for His redemptive purposes.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 1:20, with its portrayal of God's preservation and multiplication of His people against the tyrannical power of Pharaoh, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Christ. Just as God supernaturally caused Israel to multiply despite Pharaoh's attempts to destroy them, so Christ, the ultimate Deliverer and King, builds His church against which "the gates of hell shall not prevail" (Matthew 16:18). The midwives' courageous act of preserving life, valuing it above human decree, foreshadows Christ's ultimate act of preserving eternal life for all who believe in Him, redeeming humanity from the spiritual tyranny of sin and death (John 3:16 and Romans 6:23). Through Christ, God's covenant promises of a countless spiritual offspring are fully realized, as He gathers a multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language into His kingdom (Revelation 7:9-10). The "waxing very mighty" of Israel points to the spiritual strength and growth of the Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome the world, demonstrating God's sovereign power to bring life, growth, and victory out of oppression, death, and seemingly insurmountable odds, all through the finished work of His Son.