Exodus 1:20

20 And God did well to the midwives, and the people multiplied, and grew very strong.

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 And the king of Egypt called the midwives, and said to them, Why is it that ye have done this thing, and saved the male children alive?

19 And the midwives said to Pharao, The Hebrew women are not as the women of Egypt, for they are delivered before the midwives go in to them. So they bore children.

20 And God did well to the midwives, and the people multiplied, and grew very strong.

21 And as the midwives feared God, they established for themselves families.

22 And Pharao charged all his people, saying, Whatever male shall be born to the Hebrews, cast into the river; and every female, save it alive.