Did God Reward Midwives for Lying?
What about Exodus 1 concerning the midwives? When questioned as to why they spared the newborns, they said that the babies were born prior to their arrival. Basically, the midwives feared God more than man. But not enough to tell man the truth. Yet, God rewarded the midwives even though they lied. And what about Abraham — twice he told the half-lie that Sarah was his sister — instead of saying she was his wife. It appears that God rewards some and punishes others for their lying, when contrasting this with the New Testament story of Ananias and Sapphira.
First of all, the midwives may have told the truth. It may have been that the Hebrew women, fearing the king’s commandment, did not call for the midwives in a timely way.
Second, one is not obligated to disclose everything one knows. Withholding information is not necessarily a falsehood (cf. Luke 23:9).
Third, if one believes the midwives were deceptive, he must recognize that they were rewarded for their actions, not their words. They were blessed for refusing to murder the babies. All who are rewarded by God, in any age, are blessed despite their sins, through God’s gracious forgiveness.
The Lord, however, is not arbitrary in dealing with sin. As Paul observed, God is just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus, whom he sent to be a propitiation for our sins (Romans 3:23-26).
Bible narratives often recount events without passing moral judgment on the circumstances. Similarly, Rahab was justified by her works — not by her words of deception.
Fourth, one must remember that these individuals, the midwives and Rahab, were not New Testament Christians. God tolerated certain practices, such as polygamy, in Old Testament times — the times of ignorance. But now, in the light of the gospel, he commands all men everywhere to repent and live according to the high moral standard of Christianity (Acts 17:30; Titus 2:11-12). Additionally, not all is settled in this life. Justice will be equally dispensed on the Judgment Day (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Fifth, the case of Ananias and Sapphira is not parallel. These individuals were New Testament Christians living in the light of the Gospel Age. They lied for financial gain, pride, and a desire for prominence in the church.
But the midwives, who lived in Old Testament times, may have resorted to deception to save their lives. They refused to commit murder. The cases are simply not parallel.
It is incorrect to say that God rewarded the midwives for lying. The Bible does not affirm that conclusion. The Lord blessed them for refusing to kill baby boys — for their commitment to obeying God rather than man.
Scripture References
Exodus 1:15-16; Exodus 1:17-19; Exodus 1:20-21; Acts 5:1; Exodus 1; Luke 23:9; Romans 3:23-26; Acts 17:30; Titus 2:11-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10
