Exodus 1:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 1:17
17 But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.
Chapter Context
Exodus 1 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, mercy, wisdom. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 1:17
17 But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.
Analysis
But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive (וַתִּירֶאןָ הַמְיַלְּדֹת אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים, vatirenah hameyaldot et-ha'Elohim)—Feared God is the pivotal phrase: reverence for God trumps fear of Pharaoh. This is the first instance of civil disobedience in Scripture, establishing a biblical precedent (Acts 5:29). The midwives' action demonstrates saving faith—fear of God producing righteous works (James 2:25-26 cites similar faith in Rahab). Saved the men children alive (וַתְּחַיֶּיןָ, vatechayenah) uses the causative form: they actively caused life, opposing death's decree. God will reward their faith with households of their own (v. 21).
Historical Context
This act of resistance shows that even in totalitarian Egypt, moral conscience could resist state-sanctioned murder. The midwives' successful defiance suggests either a large Hebrew population (making compliance unverifiable) or divine protection. Their courage sparked the preservation of a generation including Moses, Aaron, and others who would lead the Exodus.
Reflection
- How do you cultivate fear of God that enables you to resist ungodly authorities when necessary?
- What does the midwives' example teach about the relationship between faith and courageous action?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Exodus 1:21, Genesis 42:18, Ecclesiastes 8:12, 12:13, Acts 5:29
- Kingdom: Daniel 6:13
- Parallel theme: Psalms 31:19, Proverbs 16:6, Matthew 10:28, Luke 12:5