How did God reward the midwives' fear of Him in Exodus 1:21? The Setting of Their Courage - Pharaoh commanded the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill every male baby (Exodus 1:15-16). - Out of reverent fear for God, they refused, sparing the newborn boys (vv. 17-19). - Their fear of God placed them at personal risk, yet they chose obedience over royal decree. Key Verse “Because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own.” — Exodus 1:21 What “He Gave Them Families” Means - Households/lineages: The Hebrew word “batim” (houses) points to the gift of descendants, establishing their own family lines. - Social standing: In ancient Egypt, a household signified economic security and honor in the community. - Ongoing legacy: God ensured their names would not disappear but would be remembered among His people. Why This Reward Matters - Immediate blessing: God did not delay; the reward is linked directly to their act of godly fear. - Reversal of risk: Women who risked everything to save other families now receive families themselves. - Testimony of God’s faithfulness: Their reward becomes a living witness that the LORD honors those who honor Him. A Repeated Biblical Principle - 1 Samuel 2:30 — “Those who honor Me I will honor, but those who despise Me will be disdained.” - Psalm 112:1-2 — “Blessed is the man who fears the LORD… His descendants will be mighty in the land.” - Proverbs 14:26 — “In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge.” - Proverbs 19:23 — “The fear of the LORD leads to life, that one may rest content, without visitation by harm.” Takeaway for Today - God attentively notes courageous obedience motivated by reverence for Him. - Fear of God is consistently linked to tangible blessing—often touching family, provision, and legacy. - Choosing God’s command over cultural pressure invites His personal favor, just as it did for Shiphrah and Puah. |
    |