Exodus 1:20

**Exodus 1:20**

Verse 20 states that God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty. The Israelites’ population surge in the face of oppression is a divine counter-narrative to Pharaoh’s attempts at population control. The term “dealt well” (or “dealt well with them”) signals God’s favorable response to faithful action. This moment ties human courage to divine blessing: because the midwives feared God and acted justly, God blesses their households with continued fertility and protection. In the broader cultural milieu, population growth in bondage is a paradox—how can a enslaved people prosper? The answer is God’s sovereign intervention, often working through the faithful acts of ordinary people. The blessing extends beyond numbers; it points to security, agency, and the possibility of future freedom. The verse foreshadows the covenantal promise that God will multiply Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 12) and shows how life flourishes wherever God’s people stand firm in righteousness.

This verse centers blessing as a direct outcome of reverent obedience. It links ethics—refusing to aid oppression—with tangible divine favor: a growing nation, strength, and vitality. It reinforces the theme that God blesses faithfulness even in the most hostile environments. The multiplication of the people signals that the people of God are not annihilated by human schemes; rather, God sustains and multiplies them. The verse also demonstrates God’s providential governance of history, using ordinary people as instruments to fulfill extraordinary purposes. It expands the theological narrative from individual righteousness to communal flourishing under divine blessing.

For today, the takeaway is clear: faithful action aligned with God’s values can yield lasting vitality for a community under pressure. Practical steps: support ethical leadership within organizations; invest in initiatives that protect vulnerable communities; mentor and empower younger generations to live out their faith authentically in challenging contexts. When facing systems that seek to diminish life, choose to contribute to environments where people thrive—through advocacy, volunteering, or creating safe spaces for families to grow. The midwives’ example invites us to trust God for growth and resilience even when circumstances seem dire.

Cross-References: Genesis 1:28; Deuteronomy 7:12–14; Psalm 115:12–14; Luke 1:48; 2 Corinthians 9:8