Exodus 1:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 1:20
20 Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.
Chapter Context
Exodus 1 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of creation, covenant, grace. 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 provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 1:20
20 Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.
Analysis
Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty (וַיֵּיטֶב אֱלֹהִים לַמְיַלְּדֹת, vayeitev Elohim lameyaldot)—God dealt well is divine approval and blessing on their civil disobedience rooted in the fear of God. The verb (יָטַב, yatav, "do good/treat favorably") contrasts with Pharaoh's evil treatment. The result: the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty—the exact opposite of Pharaoh's intention (1:10). This demonstrates a consistent biblical principle: God blesses those who honor Him over human authority. The midwives' faith produced national blessing, as individual righteousness often does (Genesis 18:26-32).
Historical Context
Divine blessing often manifests in tangible ways—prosperity, protection, and multiplication. The connection between the midwives' obedience and Israel's continued growth emphasizes that national survival depended on individual faithfulness. God's "dealing well" with them inspired continued resistance and preserved the generation that would experience the Exodus.
Reflection
- How does God's blessing on the midwives encourage you to choose faithfulness over compliance with unjust demands?
- In what ways have you seen individual righteousness produce broader community blessing?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Psalms 61:5, Ecclesiastes 8:12, Hebrews 6:10
- Parallel theme: Psalms 85:9, 103:11, 111:5, 145:19, Proverbs 11:18, 19:17