Exodus 1:20

20 God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied, and grew very mighty.

Exodus 1:20 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 1:20

Wherefore God dealt well with the midwives
He approved of their conduct upon the whole, however difficult it may be to clear them from all blame in this matter; though some think that what they said was the truth, though they might not tell all the truth; yea, that they made a glorious confession of their faith in God, and plainly told the king, that it was nothing but the immediate hand of God that the Hebrew women were so lively and strong, and therefore were resolved not to oppose it, let him command what he would; so Dr. Lightfoot ^F18, who takes the midwives to be Egyptians:

and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty;
became very numerous, and strong, and robust, being the offspring of such lively women.

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FOOTNOTES:

F18 Works, vol. 1. p. 700.

Exodus 1:20 In-Context

18 The king of Mitzrayim called for the midwives, and said to them, "Why have you done this thing, and have saved the men-children alive?"

19 The midwives said to Par`oh, "Because the Hebrew women aren't like the Mitzrian women; for they are vigorous, and give birth before the midwife comes to them."

20 God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied, and grew very mighty.

21 It happened, because the midwives feared God, that he gave them families.

22 Par`oh charged all his people, saying, "You shall cast every son who is born into the river, and every daughter you shall save alive."