What other biblical examples show prioritizing God's commands over human laws? God-Fearing Midwives: Choosing Life Over Pharaoh’s Edict “But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them, but let the boys live.” (Exodus 1:17) Their quiet resistance sets the pattern: when a human decree contradicts God’s revealed will, God’s command holds first place. Old Testament Echoes of Holy Defiance • Rahab shelters Israel’s spies and sends Pharaoh’s soldiers the other way (Joshua 2:1-15). • Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s image—“our God… is able to deliver us” (Daniel 3:16-18). • Daniel keeps praying despite the royal ban—“he went to his house… and prayed… as he had done before” (Daniel 6:10). • Elijah confronts Ahab, announcing drought at God’s word, not the king’s pleasure (1 Kings 17:1). • Jehoshaphat’s judges are told, “judge carefully, for you are not judging for man but for the LORD” (2 Chronicles 19:6). • Esther risks royal wrath by entering the throne room uninvited to save her people (Esther 4:16). • Jeremiah proclaims judgment even when the court orders silence (Jeremiah 26:12-15). New Testament Witnesses of Obedient Courage • The Magi ignore Herod’s instruction to report back—“they returned to their country by another route” (Matthew 2:12). • Peter and John before the Sanhedrin: “Judge for yourselves whether it is right… to obey you rather than God” (Acts 4:19-20). • The apostles again: “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). • Stephen boldly preaches though it costs his life (Acts 7). • Paul and Silas sing in the Philippian jail after unlawful arrest (Acts 16:22-25). • Jesus heals on the Sabbath, declaring, “It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:12). Common Threads You Can Trace • God’s authority is ultimate; civil or religious authorities are secondary. • Obedience to God may invite personal loss, yet He remains faithful. • Each account is presented in Scripture as literal history, reinforcing a timeless principle. • The fear of the Lord—reverent awe and trust—empowers believers to stand firm. Living the Principle Today Scripture’s consistent testimony equips us to honor governing authorities (Romans 13) while recognizing that, when commands collide, God’s Word stands supreme. |
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