These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his household:2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4 Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5 All the descendants of Jacob were seventy persons; Joseph was already in Egypt. 6 Then Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation. 7 But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.
Pharaoh Oppresses Israel 8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. 10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” 11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens. They built for Pharaoh store cities, Pithom and Raamses. 12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel.13 So they ruthlessly made the people of Israel work as slaves 14 and made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and brick, and in all kinds of work in the field. In all their work they ruthlessly made them work as slaves. 15 Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, 16 “When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birth stool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.” 17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live. 18 So the king of Egypt called the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and let the male children live?” 19 The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.” 20 So God dealt well with the midwives. And the people multiplied and grew very strong. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families.22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.” Meditation God’ law is higher than any human law. God’s authority is greater than any human authority. God’s power is greater than any government power. Wisdom compels us to fear God more than any ruler, government, or human law. Exodus begins with Israel’s growing population in bondage. Fearful Pharaoh ordered intense subjection and slavery. His dread (12) led to orders of death, commanding midwives to kill the male babies born to Hebrew women. “But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded.” (17) Romans 13:1-5 commands Christians to obey governments because God institutes them. 1 Peter 2:17 adds emphasis by commanding Christians to honor the emperor. So were the midwives rebelling against both the government and God? No. Christian civil disobedience is demanded when government and human law contradict God’s law, when local authority contrasts God’s authority. Fearing God more than Pharaoh led to faithfulness for the midwives who prioritized life over death. Other Biblical examples of Christian civil disobedience are Daniel who refused to engage in emperor worship (Daniel 3) and refused to stop praying to the Lord (Daniel 6). The early church disobeyed civil authority when commanded to stop sharing the gospel (Acts 4:17-20; 5:27-29; 5:40-42). Disobedience is required for disciples when the law of the land directly contradicts the law of God. Christians must reclaim a fear of God that is greater than fear of any earthly power, whether people or political. We must celebrate our freedom to obey the one true King. Richly Dwelling -What stands out to you about the civil disobedience of the midwives? -Why is civil disobedience in the name of Christ difficult for Christians? Where do you see the need for this in your country or culture? -How does the rule and reign of King Jesus comfort you in obeying Him in all of life, fearing King Jesus above every throne, dominion, power, and authority of the world? Key Verse 17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live. Comments are closed.
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AuthorPastor Mitchell celebrates twenty-five years of marriage with Lisa and together they have four adventurous children. |