What does Exodus 1:21 teach about God's response to obedience? The Setting • Pharaoh commanded the Hebrew midwives to kill every newborn boy (Exodus 1:15-16). • Shiphrah and Puah “feared God” more than they feared the king and preserved life (Exodus 1:17). • Their quiet yet courageous obedience set the stage for verse 21. The Key Verse “And because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own.” — Exodus 1:21 What God’s Response Reveals • Immediate, tangible blessing – The Lord didn’t merely commend the midwives; He “gave them families.” In the ancient world, children and a secure household were the clearest signs of divine favor (Psalm 127:3-5). • Personal and specific reward – God’s blessing matched their obedience. They protected other people’s children, and God granted children to them. • Protection in perilous times – While Pharaoh intensified oppression, God insulated the obedient midwives, showing He can honor faithfulness even under hostile governments (Proverbs 29:25). • Recognition of godly fear – “Feared God” underscores reverence that leads to action, not mere sentiment (Deuteronomy 10:12-13). God responds to obedience flowing from holy fear. Biblical Pattern of Obedience and Reward • Noah obeyed and “became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith” (Hebrews 11:7). • Abraham obeyed, and God swore by Himself to multiply him (Genesis 22:16-18). • Because David “did what was right” God established his house forever (1 Kings 15:5; 2 Samuel 7:16). • Jesus affirmed, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28). • James echoes, “The one who looks intently… and perseveres… will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:25). Living It Out Today • Obedience may attract earthly opposition, yet God keeps precise accounts. • Blessing may come in diverse forms—family, protection, spiritual fruit, eternal reward. • The fear of God liberates from the fear of man, empowering courageous choices for life and righteousness (Acts 5:29). • Trust that God’s response to obedience is certain, timely, and always good (Romans 8:28). Exodus 1:21 stands as a clear, literal reminder: when God’s people choose reverent obedience over cultural pressure, He notices, He remembers, and He rewards. |
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