How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)
Quote #1
So God dealt well with the midwives; and the people multiplied and became very strong. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families. (NRSV 1:20-21)
Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.
And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses. (KJV 1:20-21)
This passage isn't just a matter of good versus evil; it's a loyalty contest. The midwives were loyal to God's will instead of Pharaoh's, and God rewards them with big families. That means continuity, stability, and power for these ladies. Sounds like a good deal.
Quote #2
She bore a son, and he named him Gershom; for he said, 'I have been an alien residing in a foreign land.' (NRSV 2:22)
And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land. (KJV 2:22)
Famous Moses quote alert! People have taken this one and run with it for centuries.
Sometimes, having kids means nothing if you have nothing to pass on to them. Moses has no status, no money, and no land—so his son gets a funky name that means "an alien there." It's like naming your kid Nobody.
Quote #3
You may tell your children and grandchildren how I have made fools of the Egyptians and what signs I have done among them—so that you may know that I am the Lord.' (NRSV 10:2)
Thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the Lord. (KJV 10:2)
Exodus is about the birth of a common culture. And everyone who sponsors common culture—musicians in music, politicians in politics, religious leaders in religion—wants to make sure it lasts. This is about more than just peace and prosperity. It's about creating a strong community.