The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live.

Exodus 1:17

In chapter 1 in the book of Exodus, we read about Shiprah and Puah. They are the midwives to the Israelites. Due to the increasing number of Israelites in Egypt, Pharoah orders the them to kill all Israelite boy that are born (Exodus 1:15-16).

However, the midwives knew it was not right and let the boys live. The Bible says they feared the Lord (Exodus 1:17). What does the fearing God mean? Does it mean to be afraid of the Lord? In this context, fearing God means to have deep respect for God. Murder is wrong, so the midwives didn’t do it.

They stood up to Pharoah and gave an excuse on why they couldn’t kill the boys. They risked their lives to protect the boys from Pharoah. For this action, God rewards them with families of their own (Exodus 1:20-21)

We are called to stand for what’s right even though it there may be potentially grave consequences. Even if we perish for standing for what’s right, it is better than dishonoring the Lord.

Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 10:28