Exodus 1:17

17 But Shiphrah and Puah had respect for God. They didn't do what the king of Egypt had told them to do. They let the boys live.

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 There were two Hebrew women named Shiphrah and Puah. They helped other women who were having babies. The king of Egypt spoke to them. He said,

16 "You are the ones who help the other Hebrew women. Watch them when they get into a sitting position to have their babies. Kill the boys. Let the girls live."

17 But Shiphrah and Puah had respect for God. They didn't do what the king of Egypt had told them to do. They let the boys live.

18 Then the king of Egypt sent for the women. He asked them, "Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?"

19 The women answered Pharaoh, "Hebrew women are not like the women of Egypt. They are strong. They have their babies before we get there."