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Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Exodus 1:15-22

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Black Church Tradition Lens Reading of Exodus 1:15-22

Tradition-Specific Interpretation

We read this passage as a powerful testament to the God who acts decisively in history to deliver the oppressed. The midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, are celebrated as early figures of resistance, embodying courage and faithfulness in the face of systemic oppression. Their defiance of Pharaoh's decree is a prophetic witness to the power of God working through individuals to subvert unjust systems. This text affirms our conviction that God takes sides — with the oppressed, the marginalized, and those who dare to stand against tyranny.

Key Language Decisions

The Hebrew term 'yare' used in verse 17, often translated as 'feared God,' is central to our understanding of the midwives' actions. This fear is not mere reverence but a profound allegiance to divine justice over human edicts. The semantic range includes awe and moral conviction, underscoring the midwives' commitment to God's life-affirming purposes. This tradition emphasizes that their fear of God, not Pharaoh, drives their courageous defiance, highlighting divine authority over oppressive power.

Where Traditions Diverge

Our tradition diverges from some Reformed and Evangelical readings that may focus primarily on God's sovereignty in abstract terms. We emphasize God's concrete action in history to deliver the oppressed. This difference matters because it locates God's sovereignty in the lived experiences of those who resist oppression, affirming God's active role in human liberation rather than a detached providence.

Pastoral Application

Preaching this passage, we affirm the call to resist unjust decrees and systems, empowered by the God who hears the cries of the oppressed. We encourage our congregation to see themselves in Shiphrah and Puah, called to be agents of God's justice in the world. A Black Church Tradition Lens pastor will emphasize the courage that comes from faith, challenging the congregation to live as a prophetic witness to God's liberating power. Our people expect to hear that, like the midwives, our actions matter in God's unfolding story of deliverance and that we are partners with God in the work of liberation.

Cross-References: Exodus 3:7-10; Psalm 146:7-9; Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:18-19; Acts 5:29

Doctrinal Connections: liberation; prophetic witness; deliverance; holistic salvation; image of God

Topics & Themes

liberationprophetic witnessdeliveranceholistic salvationimage of God

Scripture References

Exodus 1:15-22

Best Used In

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Audience

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