This verse from Exodus 1:18 refers to a situation where the Pharaoh of Egypt is confronting the Hebrew midwives about their disobedience. Let's break it down:
"The king of Egypt called for the midwives": Pharaoh summons the midwives to explain their actions. This shows that he is aware that they have not followed his orders.
"and said to them, 'Why have you done this thing, and have saved the boys alive?'": This is the crux of the verse. Pharaoh is angry because he had instructed the midwives to kill all male Hebrew babies. He is accusing them of intentionally disobeying his command by allowing the baby boys to live. He sees this as a direct challenge to his authority and a threat to his plan to control the Hebrew population.
In essence, the verse highlights:
Pharaoh's Tyranny: It emphasizes the ruthless nature of Pharaoh's plan to control the Hebrew population through infanticide.
Midwives' Disobedience: It demonstrates the courage and defiance of the midwives, who chose to prioritize life and morality over obedience to a cruel decree.
Conflict: It sets up a conflict between Pharaoh's will and the midwives' moral compass, setting the stage for the subsequent events in the Exodus story.
This verse from Exodus 1:18 refers to a situation where the Pharaoh of Egypt is confronting the Hebrew midwives about their disobedience. Let's break it down:
"The king of Egypt called for the midwives": Pharaoh summons the midwives to explain their actions. This shows that he is aware that they have not followed his orders.
"and said to them, 'Why have you done this thing, and have saved the boys alive?'": This is the crux of the verse. Pharaoh is angry because he had instructed the midwives to kill all male Hebrew babies. He is accusing them of intentionally disobeying his command by allowing the baby boys to live. He sees this as a direct challenge to his authority and a threat to his plan to control the Hebrew population.
In essence, the verse highlights:
Pharaoh's Tyranny: It emphasizes the ruthless nature of Pharaoh's plan to control the Hebrew population through infanticide.
Midwives' Disobedience: It demonstrates the courage and defiance of the midwives, who chose to prioritize life and morality over obedience to a cruel decree.
Conflict: It sets up a conflict between Pharaoh's will and the midwives' moral compass, setting the stage for the subsequent events in the Exodus story.