John Calvin 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)

But the midwives feared God. Moses does not mean that they were then first affected with the fear of God; but he assigns this reason why they did not obey his unjust command: namely, because reverence towards God had greater influence over them. And certainly, as all our affections are best directed by this rein, so also it is the surest shield for resisting all temptations, and a firm support to keep our minds from wavering in seasons of danger.

Now, they not only dreaded this crime as being cruel and inhuman, but also because purer religion and piety flourished in their hearts. For they knew that the seed of Abraham was chosen by God and had themselves experienced that it was blessed. Therefore, it was natural for them to feel that it would be an act of very gross impiety to extinguish in it the grace of God.

We must also observe the antithesis between the fear of God and the dread of punishment, which might have deterred them from doing right. Although tyrants do not easily allow their commands to be despised, and death was before their eyes, they still kept their hands pure from evil. Thus, sustained and supported by reverential fear of God, they boldly despised the command and the threats of Pharaoh.

Therefore, those whom the fear of men withdraws from the right course betray by their cowardice an inexcusable contempt of God, in preferring the favor of men to His solemn commands.

But this doctrine extends even further. For many would be¹⁹ more than absurdly wise while, under the pretext of proper submission, they obey the wicked will of kings in opposition to justice and right. In some cases, they act as agents of greed and plunder; in others, of cruelty. Indeed, to gratify temporary earthly kings, they disregard God. And so, worst of all, they deliberately oppose pure religion with fire and sword.

This only makes their effrontery more detestable: that while they knowingly and willingly crucify Christ in His members, they plead the frivolous excuse that they are obeying their princes according to the Word of God. It is as if He, in ordaining princes, had resigned His rights to them, and as if every earthly power that exalts itself against Heaven should not, most justly, be made to yield instead.

But since they only seek to escape human condemnation for their criminal obedience, they should not be engaged in long discussions. Instead, they should rather be referred to the judgment of these women, for the example of these midwives is abundantly sufficient for their condemnation—especially when the Holy Spirit Himself commends them for not having obeyed the king, because they feared God.

¹⁹ This somewhat harsh expression is thus translated in Fr. ver., “veulent estre sages en despit de nature;” would be wise in spite of nature.