Exode 1:20

20 Et Dieu fit du bien aux sages-femmes; et le peuple se multiplia et devint très nombreux.

Exode 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.

Exode 1:20 In-Context

18 Alors le roi d'Égypte appela les sages-femmes, et leur dit: Pourquoi avez-vous fait ainsi, et avez-vous laissé vivre les garçons?
19 Et les sages-femmes répondirent à Pharaon: C'est que les femmes des Hébreux ne sont point comme les Égyptiennes, car elles sont vigoureuses; avant que la sage-femme arrive auprès d'elles, elles ont accouché.
20 Et Dieu fit du bien aux sages-femmes; et le peuple se multiplia et devint très nombreux.
21 Et parce que les sages-femmes craignirent Dieu, il fit prospérer leurs maisons.
22 Alors Pharaon donna cet ordre à tout son peuple: Jetez dans le fleuve tous les fils qui naîtront, mais laissez vivre toutes les filles.
The Ostervald translation is in the public domain.