Exodus 1:17

17 But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men-children alive.

Exodus 1:17 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 1:17

But the midwives feared God
And therefore durst not take away the life of an human creature, which was contrary to the express law of God, ( Genesis 9:6 ) :

and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them;
knowing it was right to obey God rather than man, though ever so great, or in so exalted a station:

but saved the men children alive;
did not use any violence with them, by stifling them in the birth. The scheme was so barbarous and shocking, especially to the tender sex, to whom it was proposed, and so devoid of humanity, that one would think it should never enter into the heart of man.

Exodus 1:17 In-Context

15 And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of whom the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah:

16 and he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the birth-stool; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him; but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.

17 But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men-children alive.

18 And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men-children alive?

19 And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwife come unto them.