What does Exodus 1:18 mean?

The midwives refused to put newborn males to death (Exodus 1:16). Pharaoh confronted Shiphrah and Puah (Exodus 1:15) regarding his orders to commit infanticide. It would seem to him that they've disobeyed—which they have (Exodus 1:17). Their response (Exodus 1:19) is an overt lie: claiming that Hebrew women were birthing children before the midwives arrive. Verse 17 is clear that these midwives refused to kill the children. God, apparently, approved of their difficult and risky decision (Exodus 1:20).

This is a rare situation where deception led to saving innocent lives. A similar situation is found when Rahab protects two Jewish spies visiting Jericho. She lied to the soldiers and helped the two spies escape. God honored Rahab as a result. Her action was considered an act of faith rather than sin (Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25). Though lying is sin (Exodus 20:16; Ephesians 4:25), these two examples reveal times when God honored someone who lied to protect innocent lives. As challenging as they may be, incidents such as these are still part of God's inspired Word and must be considered when discussing ethical issues.

One might also consider the way these incidents draw out the theme of the woman and the serpent in the biblical narrative. In Genesis 3, Satan used deception to trick Eve. God declares, "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel" (Genesis 3:15). This is known as the protoevangelium, or first gospel. It is a promise of Messiah. In these instances, we see the unfolding plan of salvation as God preserves Israel, from whom the Messiah would come. The midwives' and Rahab's use of deception turned the enemy's tactic against him. The enemy's deception led to death; these women used deception against the enemy and it led to life and deliverance for God's people.