Exodus 1:20 - God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied, and grew very mighty.
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What does "Exodus 1:20" mean?
Exodus 1:20, "God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied, and grew very mighty," is a pivotal verse in the narrative of the Israelites' oppression in Egypt. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"God dealt well with the midwives": This refers to the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, who bravely disobeyed Pharaoh's command to kill newborn Hebrew boys. "Dealt well" signifies that God rewarded their righteous actions. This reward likely encompassed blessings, protection, and perhaps prosperity for them and their families. It highlights that God favors those who act in accordance with His principles, even when facing immense pressure or danger. This verse also shows that God values life, and honors those who value it as well, even in the midst of an evil command.
"the people multiplied, and grew very mighty": This is a direct consequence of the midwives' defiance and God's blessing. Despite Pharaoh's efforts to control their population through infanticide, the Israelites continued to increase in number and strength. "Multiplied" signifies a rapid increase in population, while "grew very mighty" suggests an increase in overall strength, resources, and perhaps even resilience. This underscores the idea that God's plan for the Israelites' growth and eventual liberation could not be thwarted by human schemes.
In essence, the verse means:
God blessed and rewarded the Hebrew midwives for their courageous refusal to commit infanticide. As a result, the Israelite population continued to grow rapidly and become stronger, demonstrating God's sovereignty over Pharaoh's plans and His commitment to His people. The actions of the midwives and the consequences are a sign that God is present, and working towards a specific plan for the Israelites.
Significance:
Divine Providence: The verse emphasizes God's active involvement in human affairs, rewarding righteousness and thwarting evil plans.
Resistance to Oppression: It celebrates acts of defiance against unjust authority and highlights the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger.
Fulfillment of Promise: It demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants a great nation.
Foundation for Exodus: It sets the stage for the Exodus narrative, as the Israelites' growing strength and numbers ultimately lead to their liberation from Egypt.
Exodus 1:20 - God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied, and grew very mighty.
What does "Exodus 1:20" mean?
Exodus 1:20, "God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied, and grew very mighty," is a pivotal verse in the narrative of the Israelites' oppression in Egypt. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"God dealt well with the midwives": This refers to the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, who bravely disobeyed Pharaoh's command to kill newborn Hebrew boys. "Dealt well" signifies that God rewarded their righteous actions. This reward likely encompassed blessings, protection, and perhaps prosperity for them and their families. It highlights that God favors those who act in accordance with His principles, even when facing immense pressure or danger. This verse also shows that God values life, and honors those who value it as well, even in the midst of an evil command.
"the people multiplied, and grew very mighty": This is a direct consequence of the midwives' defiance and God's blessing. Despite Pharaoh's efforts to control their population through infanticide, the Israelites continued to increase in number and strength. "Multiplied" signifies a rapid increase in population, while "grew very mighty" suggests an increase in overall strength, resources, and perhaps even resilience. This underscores the idea that God's plan for the Israelites' growth and eventual liberation could not be thwarted by human schemes.
In essence, the verse means:
God blessed and rewarded the Hebrew midwives for their courageous refusal to commit infanticide. As a result, the Israelite population continued to grow rapidly and become stronger, demonstrating God's sovereignty over Pharaoh's plans and His commitment to His people. The actions of the midwives and the consequences are a sign that God is present, and working towards a specific plan for the Israelites.
Significance:
Divine Providence: The verse emphasizes God's active involvement in human affairs, rewarding righteousness and thwarting evil plans.
Resistance to Oppression: It celebrates acts of defiance against unjust authority and highlights the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger.
Fulfillment of Promise: It demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants a great nation.
Foundation for Exodus: It sets the stage for the Exodus narrative, as the Israelites' growing strength and numbers ultimately lead to their liberation from Egypt.