Posted on 08/19/2023 5:40:04 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
The Hebrew midwives during the time that Moses was born are credited with saving many lives in their defiance of the king of Egypt and his order to kill all male Hebrew babies.
The midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah (Exodus 1:15), kept the babies alive. When brought before the king to explain their actions, the midwives said, “Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive” (verse 19). This statement, in itself, was a lie.
What’s often debated is whether or not it was a necessary or justified lie.
The Bible does not say that God commended the Hebrew midwives specifically for their lie. The Bible’s stated reason for God’s blessing is that “the midwives feared God” (Exodus 1:21), not that they lied, per se. Of course, their falsehood came as part of their effort to save lives, so perhaps God overlooked the lie and commended their godly motivation. Perhaps they received God’s forgiveness for the act of lying and were blessed for their act of mercy toward the newborn sons of Israel.
When it comes being forced to do an evil deed, We need not obey mankind’s authorities if they require us to do something that goes against God’s higher law.
As Peter and the other apostles said, “We must obey God rather than human beings!” (Acts 5:29). The Hebrew midwives obeyed God’s will before Pharaoh’s will, and God rewarded them richly.
“Does this dress make me look fat”?
“It better. I love fat broads, baby!”
IIRC, Jacob paid a price for that, too. He was tricked on his wedding night by his FIL, Laban. He would have to wait 7 more years to marry his sweetheart, Rachel.
Does a wife have to testify against her husband?
When the wife asks, “Does this dress make me look fat”?
= = =
Dam dress. Take it off, now!
This is the doctrine of the “justifiable lie,” much debated between serious Christians.
There are good theologians on both sides of the issue.
I come down where I believe, because we can kill to protect innocent life, it only stands to reason that we can lie. I may be wrong. Lying certainly shouldn’t be done casually. Absolutely can’t bear false witness.
Yes, but just because many lie (many do all sorts of horrific sins) doesn’t mean it’s ok.
It seems like the Hebrew midwives, though, are commended for lying to save the lives of the Hebrew children. Rahab also seems to be so commended.
A very godly friend of mine, who believes lying is always wrong, says in the terrorist situation he would feel free to not answer, or, to object to the question. But not to lie outright.
I don’t agree with him. But I know his values are solid and he is trying to have an obedient position.
Yes, the question is, was lying on Jacob’s part good, or ok, or forgiven?
Otherwise, you'll be roadkill.
Just say no.
I said no about Covid vaccines.
It throws them for a loop when you don’t comply, and it doesn’t diminish my character and morals :)
Sad it too Covid to make me draw the line, but I did.
My answer is “Nope”
SS officer in 1944 occupied France: Do you know of anyone who is harboring Jews?
Brandt Waggoner: Yes sir, my neighbor is hiding a whole family in his attic.
What about the Hebrew midwives who refused to kill the Jewish baby boys and Rahab?
God honored Shiphrah and Puah the midwives.
Well done. I trust many more rally to the cause and say no.
The fault in a lie rests partly in its purpose. The Buddhists suggest a three step process before making a difficult statement. Ask yourself, is it true, is it kind, is it necessary?
A very young child who has just lost a mother to bone cancer might ask if the death was painful. I know from personal experience that, at the end the drugs are hardly effective at all. There seems to be little purpose served in being perfectly truthful.
he would feel free to not answer, or, to object to the question. But not to lie outright.
/\
Seems the simplest solution.
I respect this man greatly and he may be right.
However in the Jews-in-your-basement scenario, refusing to answer is basically telling them yes I have people hidden here. Perhaps your conscience is salved because you didn’t lie. But the hidden people get carted off so…I don’t think I could do that.
God be pleased I am never in that situation.
Rahab?
In a way, Esau who cheated (a form of lying)
Rahab is the clearest example. Without question she deliberately and overtly lied. Yet she was blessed so much she was included in Jesus’ lineage.
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