Exodus 1:19

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.

And the midwives {H3205} said {H559} unto Pharaoh {H6547}, Because the Hebrew {H5680} women {H802} are not as the Egyptian women {H4713}; for they are lively {H2422}, and are delivered {H3205} ere {H2962} the midwives {H3205} come in {H935} unto them.

The midwives answered Pharaoh, "It's because the Hebrew women aren't like the Egyptian women -they go into labor and give birth before the midwife arrives."

The midwives answered Pharaoh, “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before a midwife arrives.”

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 midwife come unto them.

Commentary

Context

Exodus 1:19 falls within the opening chapter of Exodus, which sets the stage for Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage. Pharaoh, fearing the rapid growth and strength of the Hebrew people, devised a cruel plan to suppress them by ordering the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill all male infants at birth. This verse records the midwives' clever and courageous response when Pharaoh questioned why they had not fulfilled his command. This explanation followed Pharaoh's direct command to the midwives to kill all male Hebrew babies, illustrating their defiance rooted in their reverence for God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Protection and Sovereignty: Despite Pharaoh's tyrannical decree, God was actively preserving His people. The midwives' actions, whether their explanation was entirely factual or a shrewd evasion, demonstrate how God can use unexpected individuals to thwart evil plans and protect His chosen.
  • Civil Disobedience and Moral Courage: The midwives prioritized God's law over Pharaoh's command, exhibiting remarkable moral courage. Their willingness to risk their lives to save innocent lives is a powerful example of obeying God rather than men.
  • The "Liveliness" of Hebrew Women: The midwives' statement highlights the perceived vitality and resilience of the Hebrew women. This quick delivery is presented as a natural phenomenon, possibly divinely aided, allowing the midwives to claim innocence while acting in obedience to their fear of God.
  • Pharaoh's Frustration: This verse underscores Pharaoh's inability to control the Hebrew population, foreshadowing God's ultimate victory over him and Egypt.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "lively" translates the Hebrew word chayot (חָיוֹת), which literally means "living" or "vigorous." It suggests that the Hebrew women were strong, healthy, and experienced swift, uncomplicated labors. This implies a natural, unassisted process of childbirth, contrasting with the more difficult or drawn-out births that might typically require a midwife's immediate presence. The phrase "delivered ere the midwives come in unto them" emphasizes the speed and natural ease of these births, reinforcing the midwives' plausible (or strategically crafted) excuse.

Practical Application

Exodus 1:19 offers timeless lessons on integrity, courage, and divine providence. It reminds us that:

  • God's Purposes Prevail: No human decree, however powerful, can ultimately thwart God's plans for His people.
  • Moral Courage is Valued: We are called to stand for what is right, even when it means defying unjust authorities or facing personal risk. The midwives' courageous stand is further rewarded as God dealt well with them and built them houses.
  • God Uses Ordinary People: The midwives were not great leaders or warriors, but ordinary women used by God in extraordinary ways to protect His covenant people. This encourages believers today to act faithfully in their spheres of influence.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 17:19 (4 votes)

    And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known.

  • 2 Samuel 17:20 (4 votes)

    And when Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where [is] Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find [them], they returned to Jerusalem.

  • Joshua 2:4 (4 votes)

    And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they [were]:

  • Joshua 2:24 (4 votes)

    And they said unto Joshua, Truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.

  • 1 Samuel 21:2 (2 votes)

    And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know any thing of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee: and I have appointed [my] servants to such and such a place.