What command did Pharaoh give to the Hebrew midwives?

Pharaoh commanded the Hebrew midwives to kill all the male babies born to the Hebrew women as a means of controlling the growing population of the Israelites in Egypt. This command is rooted in his fear that the Israelites might become too numerous and could eventually threaten the stability of the Egyptian empire. The midwives, however, feared God and chose not to carry out this order, ultimately allowing the male infants to live. This act of defiance not only demonstrated their moral integrity but also played a significant role in the biblical narrative of the Israelites' oppression and subsequent deliverance. This context underscores the severity and gravity of Pharaoh’s command, highlighting the tension between the ruling authority and those who uphold righteous principles.