Exodus 1:19 - The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women aren’t like the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous, and give birth before the midwife comes to them.”
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What does "Exodus 1:19" mean?
This verse from Exodus 1:19 is a key part of the story of the Hebrew midwives defying Pharaoh's order to kill newborn Hebrew boys. Let's break it down:
"The midwives said to Pharaoh..." This indicates that the midwives (Shiphrah and Puah, though only named earlier in the chapter) are being questioned by Pharaoh himself, likely because he suspects they are not carrying out his command to kill the male Hebrew babies.
"...“Because the Hebrew women aren’t like the Egyptian women;..." This is the core of their excuse. They are claiming that there is a difference between Hebrew and Egyptian women when it comes to childbirth.
"...for they are vigorous..." The Hebrew word translated as "vigorous" or "lively" suggests that the Hebrew women are healthier, stronger, or more fertile than Egyptian women.
"...and give birth before the midwife comes to them.”" This is the key reason they give for why they haven't been killing the babies. They claim that the Hebrew women have such rapid and uncomplicated births that they deliver their babies before the midwives even arrive. Therefore, they haven't had the opportunity to kill any newborns.
In essence, the verse means:
The midwives lied to Pharaoh, telling him that Hebrew women give birth so quickly and easily that the midwives can't get there in time to carry out his orders to kill the male newborns.
The verse is significant because:
It highlights the midwives' courage and defiance: They chose to disobey Pharaoh's command, risking their own lives to save the Hebrew children. Their fear of God was greater than their fear of Pharaoh.
It suggests a difference in the perceived health and vitality of Hebrew women compared to Egyptian women: Whether true or fabricated, this perception contributes to the broader narrative of the Hebrews as a strong and multiplying people, which alarmed Pharaoh.
It sets the stage for God's intervention: Because the midwives feared God and did not do as Pharaoh commanded, God "dealt well" with them (Exodus 1:20-21) and caused them to prosper. This is the first example of divinely sanctioned civil disobedience in the Bible.
It introduces the theme of deception: The midwives lied to protect the Hebrew children. This raises complex ethical questions about whether lying is ever justified in such situations.
It is a critical juncture in the Exodus narrative: It shows the failure of Pharaoh's initial plan to control the Hebrew population and sets the stage for further, more drastic measures, ultimately leading to the Hebrews' enslavement and subsequent deliverance.
In conclusion, Exodus 1:19 is a pivotal verse that reveals the midwives' courageous act of disobedience, highlights the perceived strength of the Hebrew women, and underscores the beginning of God's active involvement in protecting and eventually delivering His people from slavery.
Exodus 1:19 - The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women aren’t like the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous, and give birth before the midwife comes to them.”
What does "Exodus 1:19" mean?
This verse from Exodus 1:19 is a key part of the story of the Hebrew midwives defying Pharaoh's order to kill newborn Hebrew boys. Let's break it down:
"The midwives said to Pharaoh..." This indicates that the midwives (Shiphrah and Puah, though only named earlier in the chapter) are being questioned by Pharaoh himself, likely because he suspects they are not carrying out his command to kill the male Hebrew babies.
"...“Because the Hebrew women aren’t like the Egyptian women;..." This is the core of their excuse. They are claiming that there is a difference between Hebrew and Egyptian women when it comes to childbirth.
"...for they are vigorous..." The Hebrew word translated as "vigorous" or "lively" suggests that the Hebrew women are healthier, stronger, or more fertile than Egyptian women.
"...and give birth before the midwife comes to them.”" This is the key reason they give for why they haven't been killing the babies. They claim that the Hebrew women have such rapid and uncomplicated births that they deliver their babies before the midwives even arrive. Therefore, they haven't had the opportunity to kill any newborns.
In essence, the verse means:
The midwives lied to Pharaoh, telling him that Hebrew women give birth so quickly and easily that the midwives can't get there in time to carry out his orders to kill the male newborns.
The verse is significant because:
It highlights the midwives' courage and defiance: They chose to disobey Pharaoh's command, risking their own lives to save the Hebrew children. Their fear of God was greater than their fear of Pharaoh.
It suggests a difference in the perceived health and vitality of Hebrew women compared to Egyptian women: Whether true or fabricated, this perception contributes to the broader narrative of the Hebrews as a strong and multiplying people, which alarmed Pharaoh.
It sets the stage for God's intervention: Because the midwives feared God and did not do as Pharaoh commanded, God "dealt well" with them (Exodus 1:20-21) and caused them to prosper. This is the first example of divinely sanctioned civil disobedience in the Bible.
It introduces the theme of deception: The midwives lied to protect the Hebrew children. This raises complex ethical questions about whether lying is ever justified in such situations.
It is a critical juncture in the Exodus narrative: It shows the failure of Pharaoh's initial plan to control the Hebrew population and sets the stage for further, more drastic measures, ultimately leading to the Hebrews' enslavement and subsequent deliverance.
In conclusion, Exodus 1:19 is a pivotal verse that reveals the midwives' courageous act of disobedience, highlights the perceived strength of the Hebrew women, and underscores the beginning of God's active involvement in protecting and eventually delivering His people from slavery.