When Obeying God Means Defying Man
When Obedience Is Tested
What do you do when obeying people conflicts with obeying God? For two Hebrew midwives in Egypt, the choice was life or death. Their story in Exodus 1 reminds us that godly decision-making often requires courage in the face of fear.
Shiphrah and Puah: Women of Courage
Exodus 1:8–22 tells how Pharaoh, threatened by Israel’s growing strength, ordered Shiphrah and Puah to kill every Hebrew boy at birth. It was a direct command from the most powerful ruler on earth.
Fearing God More Than Pharaoh
But Scripture records: “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 NIV).
Shiphrah and Puah feared God more than they feared Pharaoh. Their obedience to Him preserved life, protected Israel, and displayed courage that should inspire us today.
Life Is Precious
These women understood what Pharaoh did not—that every life matters to God. To take innocent life would have been to defy the Creator. By saving the children, they aligned themselves with God’s purposes and upheld the truth that life is sacred.
Power Corrupts: Godly Fear Strengthens
Pharaoh’s actions show how fear and power can corrupt human judgment. But the midwives response reminds us of a different kind of fear—the fear of the Lord. Their reverence for God gave them strength to resist evil. They showed us that true courage often looks like quiet faithful obedience.
How Would You Have Responded?
The midwives’ decision raises a piercing question: What would I have done? Would I have chosen self-preservation, or stood firm in order to honor God?
A Modern-Day Challenge
This is not just an ancient dilemma. We face it whenever culture, workplace, or relationships pressure us to compromise our faith. Choosing obedience to God may cost us comfort, approval, or opportunity—but it leads to His blessing. “So God was kind to the midwives…” (Exodus 1:20 NIV).
A Call for Today
The story of Shiphrah and Puah teaches us three truths worth carrying into daily life:
- Obey God first. His commands outweigh the pressure of human authority.
- Protect life. Every person is precious in His sight.
- Choose courage. “Fearing” God leads to strength, not compromise.
Challenge: Where in your life is God calling you to choose obedience over approval? Pray for courage to fear Him more than people—and trust that He will honor your faithfulness.
Next Week: How to Make Godly Decisions: Get Wisdom (Proverbs 4:7).
Until next time—get wisdom and pursue truth.
Blessings,
Steve