Exodus 1:20

20 So God was kind to Shiphrah and Puah. And the people of Israel increased their numbers more and more.

Exodus 1:20 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 1:20

Wherefore God dealt well with the midwives
He approved of their conduct upon the whole, however difficult it may be to clear them from all blame in this matter; though some think that what they said was the truth, though they might not tell all the truth; yea, that they made a glorious confession of their faith in God, and plainly told the king, that it was nothing but the immediate hand of God that the Hebrew women were so lively and strong, and therefore were resolved not to oppose it, let him command what he would; so Dr. Lightfoot ^F18, who takes the midwives to be Egyptians:

and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty;
became very numerous, and strong, and robust, being the offspring of such lively women.

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FOOTNOTES:

F18 Works, vol. 1. p. 700.

Exodus 1:20 In-Context

18 Then the king of Egypt sent for the women. He asked them, "Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?"

19 The women answered Pharaoh, "Hebrew women are not like the women of Egypt. They are strong. They have their babies before we get there."

20 So God was kind to Shiphrah and Puah. And the people of Israel increased their numbers more and more.

21 Shiphrah and Puah had respect for God. So he gave them families of their own.

22 Then Pharaoh gave an order to all of his people. He said, "You must throw every baby boy into the Nile River. But let every baby girl live."