Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Exodus 1:15-22

Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Reading of Exodus 1:15-22

Tradition-Specific Interpretation

We read Exodus 1:15-22 as a profound demonstration of God's sovereign grace at work in the preservation of His covenant people. The courageous actions of the Hebrew midwives are set against the backdrop of God's redemptive history, where His providential care ensures the survival of Israel, the lineage through which Christ will come. This passage anticipates the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus, the true and greater Moses, as it highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises despite human opposition.

Key Language Decisions

The Hebrew word 'יִרְאָה' (yir'ah), translated as 'feared' in verse 17, captures the reverence and awe the midwives had for God, contrasting with Pharaoh's hardened heart. This fear led them to disobey human authority in favor of divine mandate, showcasing the primacy of God's sovereign will. The Reformed tradition emphasizes the importance of such godly fear as a response to God's covenantal faithfulness.

Where Traditions Diverge

Unlike Arminian interpretations that might emphasize human agency and decision, our tradition underscores God's sovereign orchestration of events, including the midwives' actions as part of His divine plan. While some traditions focus on moral exemplars, we see this narrative primarily as a testament to God's covenantal fidelity and His sovereign purpose in redemption history.

Pastoral Application

In preaching this passage, we must encourage our congregation to trust in God's sovereign grace and covenant faithfulness, even amidst adversity. The midwives' fear of God over Pharaoh is a model for our own lives, where we are called to prioritize God's will above human pressures. This narrative assures us that God will preserve His people and fulfill His redemptive purposes, offering us profound assurance in our own covenant journey. Our congregation should be reminded that our hope rests not on human actions but on the unwavering decree of God, who ensures the perseverance of His saints.

Cross-References: Genesis 12:2-3; Exodus 3:7-10; Psalm 105:24-25; Isaiah 43:1-3; Acts 7:17-19

Doctrinal Connections: sovereign grace; covenant faithfulness; providence; total depravity; effectual calling; the perseverance of the saints