What does Exodus 1:17 teach about obeying God over human authority? Setting the Scene • Israel’s rapid growth in Egypt alarms Pharaoh (Exodus 1:8-14). • Pharaoh orders Hebrew midwives to kill all newborn boys (v. 16). • Two named midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, stand at the center of this crisis. Key Verse Exodus 1:17: “The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had told them; they let the boys live.” Core Truths • Human commands never outrank God’s commands. • “Feared God” signals reverence, trust, and conscious submission to His moral law. • Obedience to God may require civil disobedience when earthly authority demands sin. Why Fear of God Comes First • God is the ultimate Lawgiver (Isaiah 33:22). • He alone has power over soul and body for eternity (Matthew 10:28). • His character is righteous, unfailing, and perfect (Psalm 19:7-9). • Reverence for Him fosters courage to withstand unrighteous pressure. Recognizing God’s Higher Law 1. Compare commands: Pharaoh: “Kill;” God: “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). 2. Choose the higher authority: God’s eternal decree overrides Pharaoh’s temporal order. 3. Accept the cost: Risking royal wrath is preferable to violating divine law. Examples Across Scripture • Daniel’s friends refuse idolatry—God delivers (Daniel 3). • Daniel continues prayer despite a royal ban (Daniel 6:10). • Apostles answer the Sanhedrin: “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). • Rahab protects Israel’s spies (Joshua 2), aligning with God’s redemptive plan. Practical Takeaways • Evaluate every demand by Scripture; if it contradicts God’s Word, refuse compliance. • Cultivate fear of God through regular Scripture reading, worship, and obedience. • Pray for discernment and courage before conflicts arise (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Support one another in righteous stands—Shiphrah and Puah acted together. • Trust divine reward; God “dealt well with the midwives” and gave them families (Exodus 1:20-21). Summary Statement Exodus 1:17 teaches that when human authority collides with God’s revealed will, believers must obey God foremost, confident that His authority is absolute and His favor rests on those who revere Him. |
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