An Analysis of Exodus 1:17-21: Fear God, Not Kings

Context and Courage in Exodus 1:17-21

This moment comes early in Exodus, right after Pharaoh tries to control the growing Hebrew population by enslaving them and then ordering the murder of newborn boys.

Fearing God more than the king, the midwives Shiphrah and Puah disobeyed Pharaoh’s direct command to kill Hebrew baby boys at birth. When questioned, they explained that Hebrew women gave birth too quickly for them to intervene - possibly a clever excuse, but one that highlights the vitality of God’s people. Their quiet resistance was more than defiance. It was faith in action, choosing loyalty to God over fear of man.

God honored their courage by blessing them with families of their own, showing that standing for Him - even in small, everyday ways - never goes unnoticed.

The Courage of Fear: Honoring God Over Pharaoh

The midwives’ decision to 'fear God' rather than Pharaoh marks the first time this powerful phrase appears in Scripture, setting a spiritual benchmark for faithful resistance.

They feared God - not in a scared way, but in a deep respect and loyalty that put Him above human authority. This kind of 'fearing God' means trusting His rules more than man’s power, even when it’s risky.

Standing for God doesn’t always mean speaking truth to power - it sometimes means quietly doing what’s right, even if the reasons aren’t perfect.

Their excuse about Hebrew women giving birth too quickly might not be the full truth, but the text doesn’t condemn them for it - instead, God blesses them. This suggests that God honors faithful intentions, even when actions are imperfect. Unlike later laws that forbid false testimony, this moment highlights a higher principle: protecting life and defying evil can take complex forms. God’s reward - giving them families - was deeply meaningful in a culture where childlessness was seen as a shame, showing that He sees and lifts those who stand with Him.

Trusting God More Than Power

The midwives’ story shows that fearing God doesn’t mean being fearless - it means choosing to obey Him even when human authority demands the opposite.

They stood for life in a moment of moral crisis, and God blessed them, proving that faithfulness to Him matters more than compliance with unjust rules.

When we choose to fear God above people, we align ourselves with His purposes - even in small, quiet ways.

This theme continues throughout Scripture - like when Daniel’s friends refused to bow to the king’s idol, saying they wouldn’t serve other gods or worship the image (Daniel 3:18) - showing that trusting God over rulers is a consistent mark of faith.

The Midwives and the Unfolding Rescue Plan

This story of the midwives highlights brave women and marks the first step in God’s plan to raise a deliverer, setting the stage for Moses and for Jesus.

By sparing the Hebrew boys, the midwives helped preserve the line through which Moses would be born and used by God to lead Israel out of slavery - fulfilling the promise that through Abraham’s descendants, all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). This deliverance from Egypt foreshadows the greater rescue Jesus brings, freeing people from both physical slavery and sin and death.

God’s plan to save His people began with a quiet act of courage - and it still points to the greater Savior who would come.

Just as God raised up a deliverer in Moses, He later sent His Son, Jesus, to free all who believe - showing that from the very beginning, God was working through faithful acts, big and small, to bring salvation to the world.

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