The Extermination of the Hebrew Children
October 13, 2025
Commentary
Satan filled Pharaoh’s heart with a cruel plan to destroy Israel’s children. He called the Hebrew midwives, whose job was to help mothers with newborns (v. 15). Pharaoh ordered them to kill every Hebrew baby boy at birth but let the girls live (v. 16). Yet, the midwives feared God more than Pharaoh and let the boys live (v. 17). When we fear God above all else, He can do great things through us.
Pharaoh soon called and questioned the midwives (v. 18). They may have wondered if they would be punished or even killed for disobeying the king. Yet they bravely stood firm. They explained that the Hebrew women gave birth quickly, before the midwives could arrive (v. 19). God was pleased with their courage and blessed them with children of their own (vv. 20–21). The Bible says, “God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied and became very mighty” (v. 20). God always blesses wholehearted obedience! Psalm 127:3 reminds us, “Children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is His reward.”
Still, Pharaoh refused to give up. He gave a new order to all his people: “Every son born to you must be thrown into the river. But every daughter you may keep alive” (v. 22). He believed this would stop the growing strength of Israel. Yet God was already working behind the scenes to protect His people. Pharaoh’s evil command soon led to one of the most amazing stories in the Bible—the saving of baby Moses.
This new Pharaoh cared more about power and national security than human life. When people become only a means to an end, we stop treating them as God wants us to. But the Hebrew midwives chose to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). Because of their faith and courage, God rewarded them with families and honor that lasts generations.
Application
What helped the Hebrew midwives stay strong when Pharaoh ordered them to do evil? Have you ever felt pressure to do wrong because someone in authority told you to? How do we “fear God more than people” today? What does this story teach you about valuing life and the way God honors the midwives’ faithful obedience?
Exodus 1:15–22 (NET)
15 The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, 16 “When you assist the Hebrew women in childbirth, observe at the delivery: If it is a son, kill him, but if it is a daughter, she may live.” 17 But the midwives feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them; they let the boys live.
18 Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this and let the boys live?” 19 The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women—for the Hebrew women are vigorous; they give birth before the midwife gets to them!” 20 So God treated the midwives well, and the people multiplied and became very strong. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he made households for them.
22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “All sons that are born you must throw into the river, but all daughters you may let live.”
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