Exodus 1:20

20 God was pleased with the midwives. The people continued to increase in number - a very strong people.

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.


FOOTNOTES:

F18 Works, vol. 1. p. 700.

Exodus 1:20 In-Context

18 The king of Egypt called in the midwives. "Why didn't you obey my orders? You've let those babies live!"
19 The midwives answered Pharaoh, "The Hebrew women aren't like the Egyptian women; they're vigorous. Before the midwife can get there, they've already had the baby."
20 God was pleased with the midwives. The people continued to increase in number - a very strong people.
21 And because the midwives honored God, God gave them families of their own.
22 So Pharaoh issued a general order to all his people: "Every boy that is born, drown him in the Nile. But let the girls live."
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.