What is the meaning of Exodus 1:20? So God was good to the midwives • God’s response is personal and immediate. He “was good” (Exodus 1:20), showing that He actively rewards those who fear Him, just as He promises in 1 Samuel 2:30 and Hebrews 6:10. • The goodness takes tangible form. Verse 21 explains that He “gave them families,” echoing Proverbs 11:17, “A kind man benefits himself.” Their courageous refusal to kill Hebrew babies (Exodus 1:17) leads to blessing, illustrating Psalm 34:15—“The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous.” • God’s character shines through: He is just and compassionate, defending life (Psalm 146:9) and honoring those who defend it. and the people multiplied • Despite Pharaoh’s oppression, the Israelites flourish, fulfilling God’s covenant promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2 and 22:17. • Oppression becomes the catalyst for growth, anticipating the principle later voiced in Acts 5:39—“If it is from God, you will not be able to stop them.” • Their multiplication underscores God’s sovereignty; human schemes cannot thwart divine intent (Job 42:2). and became even more numerous • The wording piles on emphasis. Like Genesis 15:5, where Abraham’s descendants are likened to the stars, God’s people overflow beyond natural expectation. • Exodus 1:7 had already noted their increase; verse 20 shows that growth continued after the midwives’ faithful stand, pointing to Deuteronomy 26:5’s description of Israel as “few… but there he became a nation, great, mighty, and numerous.” • Stephen later testifies to this surge in Acts 7:17, affirming that God “increased the people and multiplied them.” The pattern is clear: divine promise produces exponential results. summary God honors those who fear Him, turning their obedience into blessing. The midwives’ courage invites God’s goodness, and His covenant faithfulness causes Israel to flourish beyond human control. Exodus 1:20 showcases a timeless truth: when God’s people trust Him and value life, He responds with favor and unstoppable growth. |
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