How does Exodus 1:20 demonstrate God's favor towards those who fear Him? Backdrop: Who, Where, and Why • Israel is in Egypt, oppressed by a new Pharaoh. • Pharaoh commands Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah to kill all newborn boys. • “But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had told them” (Exodus 1:17). • Their reverent fear of God moves them to protect life despite personal risk. Verse Under the Microscope Exodus 1:20: “So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied and became even more numerous.” What God’s Favor Looks Like in This Verse • “God was good to the midwives” – Tangible blessing on their households (v. 21 clarifies He “gave them families of their own”). – Immediate, visible evidence that the Lord rewards righteous courage. • “The people multiplied” – National blessing flows from personal obedience. – God advances His covenant promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:5; 22:17). • Both blessings occur because the midwives “feared God” (v. 17, 21). Scripture ties the cause (holy fear) to the effect (divine favor). Key Observations • Fear of God is active reverence, not passive emotion—shown by choosing obedience over intimidation. • God’s favor includes personal prosperity and participation in His larger redemptive plan. • The text presents a direct, literal cause-and-effect: fear → favor. No allegory required; God intervenes historically. Related Scriptures Reinforcing the Principle • Psalm 31:19: “How great is Your goodness which You have stored up for those who fear You.” • Psalm 128:1: “Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways.” • Proverbs 1:7; 9:10: Fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom. • Malachi 3:16-17: The Lord “pays attention and hears” those who fear Him, promising they will be His treasured possession. • Luke 1:50: “His mercy is on those who fear Him, from generation to generation.” • Acts 10:34-35: God shows no partiality but accepts “anyone who fears Him and does what is right.” Implications for Believers Today • Moral courage springs from fearing God more than human authorities. • Expect God’s goodness in diverse forms—family, influence, spiritual fruit—when choosing His way. • Personal obedience can trigger wider blessing for families, churches, even nations. • God’s covenant faithfulness remains steady; He still honors those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30b). Takeaway Summary Exodus 1:20 portrays God personally rewarding Shiphrah and Puah for their fearless reverence and simultaneously advancing His promise to Israel. The verse stands as a clear, literal testimony: when people fear the Lord, He actively turns toward them with favor—goodness for today and multiplication for tomorrow. |
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