Exodus 1:17

17 But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king’s orders. They allowed the boys to live, too.

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 Then Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, gave this order to the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah:

16 “When you help the Hebrew women as they give birth, watch as they deliver. If the baby is a boy, kill him; if it is a girl, let her live.”

17 But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king’s orders. They allowed the boys to live, too.

18 So the king of Egypt called for the midwives. “Why have you done this?” he demanded. “Why have you allowed the boys to live?”

19 “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women,” the midwives replied. “They are more vigorous and have their babies so quickly that we cannot get there in time.”