When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.
Exodus 1:16 NIV
The book of Exodus opens with a gripping account of the Israelites’ increasing population in Egypt. God’s people multiplied at an astonishing rate, despite enslavement and harsh conditions. This unexpected growth threatened Pharaoh and his government, showcasing the beginnings of the enemy’s schemes against God’s people. He then devised a sinister plan. He aimed to curb their numbers and neutralise their threat.
Meanwhile, Pharaoh’s initial attempts to suppress them with forced labour proved futile. The more he oppressed them, the more they flourished. This showed God’s protective hand over His chosen people. Frustrated by their resilience, Pharaoh escalated his strategy. He issued a decree to the Hebrew midwives: “When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live” (Exodus 1:16). This was more than a callous act to reduce their population. It was a strategically evil strike at the very heart of Israel’s future. These were the early enemy’s schemes.
In many cultures, the male line traditionally carries on the family name. This ensures the continuation of identity and legacy. Pharaoh understood this. By eliminating male children, he could prevent future leaders from rising. He could also dismantle the patriarchal structure of the Hebrew nation. He aimed to dilute their identity over time. If only female Israelites remained, they could marry into Egyptian families. Their children would then assimilate into Egyptian culture. This would effectively erase the Hebrew heritage. It would weaken their collective strength and dissolve their distinctiveness.
This ancient tactic offers profound spiritual insight. It reveals the enemy’s schemes even today. Pharaoh targeted the male successors of Israel. Similarly, the enemy still targets those who carry the name of the Lord. These individuals are called to influence others for God’s kingdom. This is not about physical gender but about spiritual identity. Anyone who bears God’s name and has the potential to pass on His truth becomes a prime target.
The enemy, much like Pharaoh, fears multiplication. He dreads the spread of God’s life. He wants to prevent it from moving from one person to another, or from a family to a community. His desire is to stop us from reproducing the life of Christ in others. So, he aims to weaken or silence those equipped to make disciples and establish God’s kingdom on earth. If Satan cannot stop your salvation, he will certainly try to stop your fruitfulness. He aims to frustrate the work of God in your hands. This would make you spiritually barren, unable to multiply God’s life in others.
Yet, Pharaoh’s plan ultimately failed. God was with His people. Similarly, we have victory through Christ even today. However, the enemy persistently attempts to stop us from living out or spreading that victory. As co-heirs with Christ, we carry the name of God. This makes us targets. But it also means we possess the authority and power to resist the enemy’s schemes. We must remain spiritually alert and quickened. We must be revived and empowered. This prevents us from inadvertently helping the enemy fulfil his plans in our lives by growing weak or complacent.
Living It Out
Recognise that you carry God’s name. This makes you both a target and an empowered agent of His kingdom. How can you actively resist the enemy’s attempts to stop your fruitfulness today? Consider dedicating time to prayer. Ask God for increased spiritual discernment and strength to multiply His life in those around you.