Exodus 1:21 - Because the midwives feared God, he gave them families.
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What does "Exodus 1:21" mean?
Exodus 1:21, "Because the midwives feared God, he gave them families," is a pivotal verse in the narrative about the midwives Shiphrah and Puah's defiance of the Pharaoh's order to kill Hebrew baby boys. Let's break down the meaning:
"Because the midwives feared God...": This highlights the motivation behind their actions. The midwives disobeyed Pharaoh's command not out of political rebellion, but because they prioritized their reverence for God over obedience to earthly authority. Their "fear of God" in this context means they respected and obeyed God's commands, understood the sanctity of life, and believed they would be held accountable by a higher power.
"...he gave them families.": This is the reward for their righteous actions. God blessed them with families of their own. This can be interpreted in a few ways:
Direct Blessing of Children: It could mean that God directly intervened and blessed the midwives with the ability to conceive and bear children, something that was highly valued in that culture.
Established Households: The word translated as "families" can also mean "houses" or "households." It might suggest that God blessed them with stable, prosperous, and secure homes. This might not strictly mean they had children, but that they had thriving households in some way.
Community Recognition and Respect: Another interpretation is that their act of courage and compassion earned them the respect and admiration of the Hebrew community, which in turn provided them with a form of familial belonging and security.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
God's Protection and Reward for Righteousness: The verse demonstrates God's favor towards those who act according to His will, even when it means disobeying earthly authority. It underscores the idea that choosing righteousness, especially in the face of adversity, leads to blessings.
Emphasis on the Sanctity of Life: The verse reinforces the value of human life, particularly the lives of the vulnerable. The midwives' refusal to kill innocent children shows their belief in the sacredness of life from conception.
Importance of Moral Courage: The verse celebrates the courage of ordinary people who stood up for what they believed was right. It serves as an example of how even small acts of resistance can have a significant impact.
Divine Providence: The verse illustrates God's active involvement in human affairs. He notices and responds to the actions of individuals, especially those who demonstrate faith and compassion.
Feminine Strength: The midwives are presented as strong, independent women who actively shape the course of history. Their actions set the stage for Moses' birth and the eventual liberation of the Israelites from slavery.
In essence, Exodus 1:21 is a testament to the power of faith, courage, and compassion. It shows that God rewards those who choose to do what is right, even when it is difficult or dangerous. It highlights the value of human life and the importance of standing up for the vulnerable.
Exodus 1:21 - Because the midwives feared God, he gave them families.
What does "Exodus 1:21" mean?
Exodus 1:21, "Because the midwives feared God, he gave them families," is a pivotal verse in the narrative about the midwives Shiphrah and Puah's defiance of the Pharaoh's order to kill Hebrew baby boys. Let's break down the meaning:
"Because the midwives feared God...": This highlights the motivation behind their actions. The midwives disobeyed Pharaoh's command not out of political rebellion, but because they prioritized their reverence for God over obedience to earthly authority. Their "fear of God" in this context means they respected and obeyed God's commands, understood the sanctity of life, and believed they would be held accountable by a higher power.
"...he gave them families.": This is the reward for their righteous actions. God blessed them with families of their own. This can be interpreted in a few ways:
Direct Blessing of Children: It could mean that God directly intervened and blessed the midwives with the ability to conceive and bear children, something that was highly valued in that culture.
Established Households: The word translated as "families" can also mean "houses" or "households." It might suggest that God blessed them with stable, prosperous, and secure homes. This might not strictly mean they had children, but that they had thriving households in some way.
Community Recognition and Respect: Another interpretation is that their act of courage and compassion earned them the respect and admiration of the Hebrew community, which in turn provided them with a form of familial belonging and security.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
God's Protection and Reward for Righteousness: The verse demonstrates God's favor towards those who act according to His will, even when it means disobeying earthly authority. It underscores the idea that choosing righteousness, especially in the face of adversity, leads to blessings.
Emphasis on the Sanctity of Life: The verse reinforces the value of human life, particularly the lives of the vulnerable. The midwives' refusal to kill innocent children shows their belief in the sacredness of life from conception.
Importance of Moral Courage: The verse celebrates the courage of ordinary people who stood up for what they believed was right. It serves as an example of how even small acts of resistance can have a significant impact.
Divine Providence: The verse illustrates God's active involvement in human affairs. He notices and responds to the actions of individuals, especially those who demonstrate faith and compassion.
Feminine Strength: The midwives are presented as strong, independent women who actively shape the course of history. Their actions set the stage for Moses' birth and the eventual liberation of the Israelites from slavery.
In essence, Exodus 1:21 is a testament to the power of faith, courage, and compassion. It shows that God rewards those who choose to do what is right, even when it is difficult or dangerous. It highlights the value of human life and the importance of standing up for the vulnerable.