What does Pharaoh's command in Exodus 1:16 show about valuing human life? Setting the Scene - Israel’s rapid growth in Egypt alarmed the new Pharaoh (Exodus 1:8–10). - In fear of losing control, he enslaved the Hebrews and then issued an unthinkable order to midwives. Pharaoh’s Chilling Directive Exodus 1:16: “He told them, ‘When you help the Hebrew women in childbirth, observe them on the delivery stool. If it is a son, kill him; but if it is a daughter, she may live.’ ” What the Command Reveals About Human Life • Life treated as expendable – Pharaoh viewed newborn boys purely through a political lens—future threats, not image-bearers (Genesis 1:27). • Selective worth – Only males were targeted; value was assigned by perceived utility, not by inherent dignity. • State-sanctioned violence – Government authority, meant for justice (Romans 13:3–4), was twisted to justify murder. • Despising the innocent – Infants, the most defenseless, became victims (Proverbs 6:16–17 lists “hands that shed innocent blood” among things the Lord hates). • Attempt to thwart God’s promises – By attacking male heirs, Pharaoh tried to stifle the nation through which Messiah would come (Genesis 12:2–3). Contrasting God’s View of Life - Psalm 139:13–16—God knits each child together in the womb, assigning purpose before birth. - Exodus 20:13—“You shall not murder,” safeguarding every human life. - Matthew 19:14—Jesus welcomes little children, affirming their value. - John 10:10—Christ came to give abundant life, not destroy it. Application for Today • Recognize every person—from the unborn to the elderly—as priceless creations of God. • Guard against any worldview that assigns worth based on utility, ability, or convenience. • Resist cultural or governmental pressures that contradict God’s clear commands regarding life. • Imitate the midwives’ courage (Exodus 1:17): “But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had told them; they let the boys live.” |
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