Exodus 1:19
“The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women aren’t like the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous, and give birth before the midwife comes to them.””
What does Exodus 1:19 mean?
When the Egyptian Pharaoh ordered the midwives to kill Hebrew baby boys at birth, they refused and gave him this explanation instead. They claimed the Hebrew women were naturally strong and delivered their babies so quickly that there was nothing the midwives could do to prevent the births. Whether this was entirely true or a clever excuse, it showed these women choosing to protect innocent lives even when facing a powerful ruler's direct command, and it allowed God's plan to continue unfolding.