15-16 Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, “When you help the Hebrew women give birth, observe them on the birthstools. If the child is a son, kill him; but if it is a daughter, let her live.” 17 The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live.

18 So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?” 19 The midwives answered Pharaoh, “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before a midwife arrives.” 20-21 So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied and became even more numerous. And because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own.

22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people: “Every son born to the Hebrews you must throw into the Nile, but every daughter you may allow to live.” Exodus 1:15-22 Berean Study Bible (For ESV)

The Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes says something which today's reading is a good example of. It says “what has been - will be again, what has been done - will be done again; there’s nothing new under the sun.” Things like the killing of infants, and the courage needed to not take part in such a practice, were happening over 3000 years ago in Egypt. Fearing the rapid growth of the Israelite population in the land, Pharaoh gave a devastating command to those who were midwives at that time. We must not underestimate the bravery of Shiphrah and Puah in refusing to obey that awful policy. We also mustn't think that such bravery was an easy option. What was it that gave them courage to do what they did? (vs 17)

They feared God more than they feared man! Many years earlier that same fear of God kept a young Jewish slave named Joseph from giving in to the seductive advances of his master's wife. He replied to her: “My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9) A writer in the New Testament put it well when he said: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable.” (Hebrews 4:13)

We live in days when there's tremendous pressure to do things we know are wrong. Whether its telling lies on behalf of others or the company we work for, doing things that are immoral in order to keep our job or climb the corporate ladder, or, as in the case of the Jewish midwives, to abort a child, we will encounter situations where we must either fear man or fear God. Some woman today have had to take courageous stands against the politically correct trend to allow males to participate in women's sporting events. They've lost out on prizes and scholarships for pointing out the wrongness of such a policy.

But notice that courage doesn't mean we must not be cautious. The midwives had prepared a narrative for when they were brought before Pharaoh. (vs 19) One could debate on whether they were 'telling a lie', but that would miss the point of the brave stand they were taking. And who knows, perhaps the Hebrew women at that time were more vigorous than their Egyptian counterparts!

Jesus once said to His disciples “I'm sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes, and as innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) There are times when we will need to be careful with our words. The apostle Peter wrote: “Even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Don't fear their threats; don't be frightened. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:14-15)

What a lovely touch and encouragement vs 20-21 are. Because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own. The fear of God does not lead to terror in our souls - it leads to God's blessing in our lives. And it enables us to be brave and to take a stand for what is righteous and right.