Exodus 1:20
French Jerusalem 1998
What Does This Mean?
This verse says that because the midwives did not obey Pharaoh's order to kill the Hebrew baby boys, God blessed them, and as a result, the Hebrew people grew in number and became very strong. There is no direct speaker mentioned; it is a narrative statement from the text. The key message is that God rewards faithfulness and that His plans cannot be hindered by human actions.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're playing a game where someone tells you not to help your friends, but you decide to help them anyway. Because you were kind, you get a reward and your friends become stronger. That's what happened here with the midwives and God!
Historical Background
Exodus was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BCE, while the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness. The audience was the Israelites who had just been freed from slavery in Egypt. The cultural setting reflects the conflict between the Hebrews and the Egyptian Pharaoh, and the theme of God’s sovereignty and protection.
Living It Out Today
A modern scenario could involve a nurse who refuses to comply with an unethical directive from a hospital administrator. By standing firm in their values, the nurse gains respect and the patients benefit from better care, demonstrating the positive outcomes of faithfulness.