Charles Ellicott Commentary Exodus 1:17

"But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men-children alive." — Exodus 1:17 (ASV)

The midwives feared God. — The midwives, whether Hebrews or Egyptians, believed in a God who would punish wrongdoing, and therefore resolved not to obey the Pharaoh.