How does Exodus 1:19 encourage us to prioritize God's commands over human authority? Verse spotlight: Exodus 1:19 “The midwives answered Pharaoh, ‘Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife arrives.’ ” Why this verse matters • The statement is a courageous reply to Pharaoh’s order to kill Hebrew boys (Exodus 1:16). • It shows the midwives’ deliberate choice to honor God’s command to preserve life (Genesis 9:6) over the king’s command to take it. • Their answer shields them—and the babies—from immediate danger while testifying to God’s sovereignty over birth and life. Key truths modeled by the midwives • Fear of God first: “The midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had told them” (Exodus 1:17). • Creative obedience: They found a truthful-enough explanation that protected the children without openly defying Pharaoh to his face. • Divine approval: “So God was good to the midwives” (Exodus 1:20). Their choice brought blessing, proving God honors those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30). Scripture echoes that reinforce the principle • Acts 5:29 — “Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than men.’ ” • Daniel 3:17-18 — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse idolatry even under threat of death. • Daniel 6:10 — Daniel keeps praying despite the royal decree. • Proverbs 29:25 — “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is set securely on high.” • Isaiah 66:2 — “To this one will I look: to the humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.” How Exodus 1:19 encourages us today • We weigh every human directive against God’s revealed will; where they clash, God’s word wins. • We cultivate holy courage: the fear of God outshines the fear of consequences. • We trust God to handle outcomes; He can protect, prosper, or vindicate us as He chooses. • We practice respectful resistance—firm in conviction, gracious in speech (Colossians 4:6). Putting it into action 1. Examine areas where cultural or governmental pressures conflict with clear biblical commands. 2. Commit in advance to side with Scripture, not merely when a crisis forces the choice. 3. Seek creative, truthful ways to honor God while showing respect to authorities (Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:13-17). 4. Encourage fellow believers who take costly stands for righteousness—“Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them” (Hebrews 13:3). Takeaway truths • God’s commands are absolute; human authority is derivative and limited. • The fear of God liberates from the fear of man. • Obedience may invite risk, but it also invites God’s favor and eternal reward (Matthew 10:28-33; 2 Corinthians 5:10). |
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