What is the meaning of Exodus 1:18? So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives Pharaoh has absolute civil power, yet his command to kill Hebrew sons (Exodus 1:15-16) is already being quietly resisted. • Scripture presents no hint that the king’s authority legitimizes evil; Romans 13:1-4 teaches respect for government, but only within God-ordained bounds. • The midwives’ fear of God (Exodus 1:17) comes first, echoing the priority later stated in Acts 5:29, “We must obey God rather than men.” • God often allows His people to stand before rulers who oppose His purposes—Joseph before another Pharaoh (Genesis 41:14-16), Daniel before Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:8; 3:16-18)—so that His righteousness is displayed. and asked them The verbal confrontation highlights a collision of loyalties. • The king expects unquestioning compliance; the midwives’ obedience to God puts them on trial (cf. John 19:10-11 where Jesus reminds Pilate that earthly authority is received “from above”). • Moments like this expose whether we fear people or the Lord (Proverbs 29:25). • God equips His servants for such encounters; Luke 21:12-15 promises a “mouth and wisdom” when believers are brought before kings. “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?” Pharaoh’s question reveals: 1. His awareness that something supernatural is frustrating his plan of genocide, much like Herod’s thwarted slaughter in Matthew 2:16-18. 2. A moral blindness that calls good evil and evil good (Isaiah 5:20). 3. The value God places on every child’s life—Psalm 127:3 declares, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD.” • The midwives’ decision affirms the Creator’s design (Genesis 1:27) and preserves the line through which Moses, the future deliverer, will arise (Hebrews 11:23). • Their civil disobedience is not rebellion for rebellion’s sake; it is obedience to a higher command, reflecting the principle in James 4:17 that failing to do the right we know is sin. summary Exodus 1:18 captures a pivotal moment where two midwives stand before the most powerful man in Egypt, accused of treason for valuing life. The verse spotlights the clash between human tyranny and divine authority, showing that reverence for God empowers ordinary believers to protect the innocent, confront evil, and advance God’s redemptive plan. |
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