Scripture to Read: Exodus 1:15–21
The nation of Israel continued to multiply numerically, and the king of Egypt feared their numbers and potential power against him and his people. The king of Egypt came up with a plan to stop the nation of Israel from continuing to grow numerically. We read in Exodus 1:15–16, “Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other was named Puah; 16 and he said, 'When you are helping the Hebrew women to give birth and see them upon the birthstool, if it is a son, then you shall put him to death; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.’” Pharaoh wanted every male child killed. The Good News is this, in Exodus 1:17, “But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them, but let the boys live.” Fearing God and honoring Him always takes precedence over following any earthly king. Many people struggle with the fact that in Exodus 1:19 the midwives lied to Pharaoh when he confronted them about why they let the boys live. The midwives had a greater obligation to protect the babies because God is clear that we shall not murder. In ethics, this is called “graded absolutism,” which means that when we are in a conflict, we have the greatest obligation to obey God’s command. Therefore, we are exempted from obeying the lesser command of an earthly authority. Also, we see in Exodus 1:20–21 that God blessed the midwives for their obedience to Him.
Challenge & Application
· What did God teach you today that has helped you understand that He and His Word are our greatest authority?
· How are you choosing to obey God and His Word daily, and how is God growing you in Him because of your obedience?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!