But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew (Ex. 1:12)
The literal translation of the Hebrew is actually in the future tense rather than the past: "But the more they will afflict them, the more they will multiply and grow." Indeed, the Torah promises that whenever the enemies of the Jewish people will seek to harm them, their actions will always have the opposite effect. And the greater the persecution and suffering, the more the Jews will ultimately be strengthened and empowered. (Orach Chaim)
But the midwives feared G-d, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them (Ex. 1:17)
According to the dictum of "dina d'malchuta dina" ("the law of the land is binding"), a Jew is obligated to abide by the civil laws of whatever society he lives in. However, this is only when the law applies to all citizens equally; it does not pertain to strictures and decrees directed solely against Jews. (Ketzot HaShulchan)
Reprinted from Parshat Shemos 5762/2001 edition of L’Chaim
