“So God dealt well with the midwives. And the people multiplied and grew very strong.” – Exodus 1:20
Exodus 1:20 Meaning
In Exodus 1:20, the verse tells us about an act of kindness from God towards the midwives who helped deliver Hebrew babies in Egypt. At the time, Pharaoh had ordered that all male infants born to the Hebrews should be killed to prevent their population from growing. The midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, however, feared God and disobeyed Pharaoh’s orders. They helped the Hebrew women give birth, allowing many babies to live. This verse highlights God’s faithfulness and reward for those who stand up for righteousness.
In simple terms, the verse shows that when we take risks to do what is right—even in the face of authority—God honors our bravery and our actions can lead to great blessings. The midwives did not just save lives; their actions contributed to the growth of the Hebrew people. This aspect of multiplication signifies blessings and the strengthening of community. Through their obedience and courage, God ensured that His people would continue to thrive.
Exodus 1:20 Commentary and Explanation
This verse can be dissected to reveal various layers of meaning. When we consider the context, we find that the midwives were not just following orders; they were following their convictions. They understood the importance of life and chose to honor God’s command over man’s law. It teaches us an important lesson: we must uphold our values and morals, even when it places us at risk.
In addition to that, we see that God did not just stand back and watch; He intervened directly by dealing well with the midwives. This indicates that when we act with courage and integrity, God actively supports us. It is a beautiful reminder that our actions—especially those that seek to uphold justice and life—do not go unnoticed by Heaven.
The midwives’ story resonates with the idea of empowerment. Even though they were women in a patriarchal society, they took a stand and made a significant impact. God’s dealing well with them can be seen as a form of divine endorsement, which emphasizes the importance of women in the biblical narrative. It encourages all of us, regardless of our circumstances, to overcome challenges.
The verse ends with a note that the people multiplied and grew very strong. This highlights a profound truth: when God’s people trust Him and follow His ways, they experience growth and strength. The blessings of God are often tied to our faithfulness and obedience. Even though the world may be against us, when we act righteously, God can turn the tides in our favor.
Historical and Literary Context of Exodus 1:20
To fully appreciate Exodus 1:20, we must understand the historical background surrounding it. The Israelites had settled in Egypt during a time of famine, but as their numbers grew, they became a threat to the Egyptians. The Pharaoh who knew Joseph, who brought them into Egypt, had passed away. A new Pharaoh arose, who did not know Joseph, and he saw the Israelites as a potential danger. In a bid to control their population, he ordered that the male infants be thrown into the Nile River.
The role of the midwives becomes crucial here. Shiphrah and Puah were playing a key part in ensuring the survival of a race that would eventually produce a great leader, Moses. This historical context sets the stage for the miraculous works God would do through Moses in leading the Israelites out of bondage.
Exodus 1:20 fits into the larger narrative of Exodus, a book that showcases God’s power, faithfulness, and the fulfillment of His promises. It serves as an introduction to the challenges faced by the Hebrew people, setting the stage for their eventual liberation and the establishment of their identity as God’s chosen people. The perseverance displayed by the midwives shows that God works through unlikely heroes.
This verse, therefore, captures a significant moment when ordinary people displayed extraordinary courage. It affirms that every act of righteousness can contribute to God’s grand plan. It emphasizes hope amidst oppression and serves as a reminder for us to remain faithful even when situations seem dire.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 1:20
1. “God dealt well with the midwives.”
This part highlights God’s favor. His blessings were upon those who chose to do what was right.
2. “The people multiplied.”
Here, we see how righteousness brings about growth. The midwives’ actions allowed God’s chosen people to thrive.
3. “Grew very strong.”
This suggests resilience and strength. It reflects God’s promise to make His people strong and capable, allowing them to face future challenges.
Theological Significance of Exodus 1:20
This verse outlines themes of divine Providence, faithfulness, and the empowerment to act. The midwives acted in faith, disregarding the orders of Pharaoh and aligning themselves with God’s will. It also presents a powerful image of God’s involvement in human affairs. God is not distant; He actively works in our obedience and faithfulness.
Exodus 1:20 encourages us to place our trust in God, especially when faced with difficult circumstances. It reminds us that our actions, no matter how small, contribute to a larger divine narrative. The contrast between Pharaoh’s oppressive decree and the midwives’ courage showcases the clash between human authority and divine law. It shows that when we choose right over wrong, even in a tough societal framework, God honors our decisions and uses them for His glory.
Furthermore, the growth of the people represents spiritual growth as well. As we choose to obey God and live according to His ways, we not only grow in number but in strength and character. This growth is often how God builds communities and shapes nations for His purposes. Through this lens, we see that righteousness promotes life and vitality.
The verse also gives us hope. No matter how dire the circumstances appear, God is always working behind the scenes to fulfill His plans. It assures us that God can bring about salvation and growth through our faithful actions. Faith can lead to blessings that we might not even be aware of, reminding us to act rightly and trust in God’s provision and timing.
Exodus 1:20 Cross-References and Related Verses
Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’ – Matthew 16:24
This verse underscores the importance of making sacrifices for the sake of righteousness. Just like the midwives who defied the king’s orders, we are called to deny ourselves in following Christ’s teachings.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” – Proverbs 31:30
This speaks to the significance of a woman’s faith and devotion to God over societal values. The midwives’ fear of the Lord led them to acts of bravery that changed the course of events in the Israelite community.
Hebrews 11:23
“By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.” – Hebrews 11:23
This verse connects with the story of the midwives, illustrating how faith in God inspires actions against unjust laws and the preservation of life.
Practical Application of Exodus 1:20
1. Standing for Righteousness
Like the midwives, we must learn to stand for what is right, even when it challenges authority and norms. Taking a stand might involve risks, but obedience to God is always rewarding.
2. Trusting God’s Provision
When we act in faith, we invite God’s hand into our lives. This verse encourages us to trust that He will support our efforts.
3. Empowering Others
Our actions can have a ripple effect. Just as the midwives helped multiply the Hebrew people, we should aim to empower others towards growth and faithfulness.
4. Importance of Community
Community thrives when we look out for one another. The midwives worked together for a common cause, reminding us of our duty to support each other.
5. Celebrating Faithful Service
We should always acknowledge and celebrate those who act righteously. It serves as a reminder that every effort to promote goodness is significant in God’s eyes.
Reflection and Devotional Thought on Exodus 1:20
As we reflect on Exodus 1:20, we find an inspiring story of courage and faith. The midwives teach us that we can take a stand for what is right. We might not find ourselves in such dire situations, but every day offers opportunities to choose integrity and obedience to God over convenience.
This may involve standing against peer pressure, advocating for those who cannot, or speaking truth in love. We can take comfort in knowing that when we follow God’s ways, He is with us. His blessings will follow. Every time we act out of love and righteousness, we contribute to building a community and a world that reflects God’s character.
We encourage ourselves to remember the weight of our decisions. Each act of kindness or courage builds up the body of Christ. In difficult times, we can look back at this story and draw courage from the midwives’ faith. Their actions paved the way for hope and deliverance for the entire nation of Israel.
Final Thoughts
Exodus 1:20 invites us to be bold in our faith. It highlights the beauty of standing up for what is right amidst fear and adversity. Through the midwives’ faithfulness, we learn that God sees our efforts and rewards our bravery. No matter how small our contributions might seem, they are significant in God’s plan for His people. Let us be encouraged to live righteously, trust in God’s goodness, and inspire others around us with our actions.
So whether you are facing pressure to conform or are called to stand for someone else, remember that you are not alone. Let’s support one another in faith, lifting each other up as we strive to walk the path that God has set before us.
For more inspiring insights, feel free to explore additional topics such as Psalms 116:1-7 or Jeremiah 14:2. Each verse offers more encouragement as we journey in our walk with God.