Bizarre Stories: The Hebrew Midwives in Exodus 1

In this episode, Tim Howe opens season seven of In with the Old by unpacking the bizarre story of the Hebrew midwives in Exodus 1. The question at the center is whether their deception of Pharaoh can be understood as faithfulness to God. Tim traces the story through Genesis and Exodus to show how Pharaoh’s actions fit the larger biblical pattern of opposition to God’s preserving of the promised line. Key topics Season seven’s theme: “Bizarre Stories from the Old Testament” Israel’s multiplication and Pharaoh’s escalating oppression The Genesis-to-Exodus background of God’s promise to Abraham Pharaoh’s attempt to outwit God’s purposes The identity and significance of Shiphrah and Puah Why Pharaoh targeted Hebrew sons The meaning of the midwives’ fear of God Whether their response to Pharaoh was a lie or strategic deception Wartime ethics and the example of Rahab God’s blessing and honoring of the midwives Loyalty to God over loyalty to earthly rulers Parallels between Pharaoh and Herod The role of women in frustrating Pharaoh’s plans How God turns opposition into an instrument of salvation Chapter timestamps The chapter markers now match the edited 23:22 runtime: 0:00 — Does God Condone Lying? 1:10 — Exodus 1: The Midwives’ Courage 3:25 — The Genesis Promise 6:32 — Pharaoh’s Strategy 11:37 — What It Means to Fear God 12:53 — Deception and Protecting Life 17:10 — Why God Honors the Midwives 18:44 — Loyalty to God Above Rulers 20:29 — Courage in Pharaoh’s House 21:39 — God Turns Evil Plans Around 22:43 — Closing and Next Episode