Exodus 1:17

17 But the midwives feared God; they did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but 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 The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah,

16 "When you act as midwives to the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, she shall live."

17 But the midwives feared God; they did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but they let the boys live.

18 So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and said to them, "Why have you done this, and allowed the boys to live?"

19 The midwives said to Pharaoh, "Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them."