“And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah.”
Context:The book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah. It narrates the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. Exodus begins with the descendants of Jacob (Israel) settling in Egypt during a time of famine.
Verse Analysis:In Exodus 1:15, we see the introduction of two Hebrew midwives who are mentioned by name: Shiphrah and Puah. The verse tells us that the king of Egypt, commonly understood to be the pharaoh, addresses these midwives. The pharaoh is concerned about the rapid growth of the Israelite population and fears that they might become too numerous and powerful. Therefore, he gives an order to the midwives in the next verse, which we will explore in more detail.
Lessons and Applications:
- Faithful obedience:Shiphrah and Puah were faced with a difficult situation. They were given an order by the pharaoh to kill any male Israelite infants at birth (Exodus 1:16). However, these midwives demonstrated courage and faithfulness to God’s commandments. They defied the pharaoh’s order and did not harm the Hebrew baby boys. This example encourages us to prioritise obedience to God’s moral standards above any worldly command that contradicts His will.
- Valuing and protecting life:Shiphrah and Puah displayed a deep respect for human life. They recognised the sanctity and value of every newborn child, regardless of their nationality or circumstances. Their actions teach us the importance of honouring and protecting life, especially the most vulnerable among us. As believers, we are called to advocate for the dignity and well-being of all people, from conception to natural death.
- Taking a stand for justice:Shiphrah and Puah demonstrated moral courage by refusing to participate in the evil plan of killing innocent children. Their act of civil disobedience played a role in preserving the lives of many Israelite boys. This serves as an example for us to stand up against injustice and oppression, even when it is risky or unpopular. We should actively oppose practices that devalue human life and work towards a more just society.
- Trusting God’s protection:Shiphrah and Puah’s actions were not driven by self-interest or self-preservation but by their faith in God. They trusted in His provision and protection. As believers, we can draw strength from their example and learn to place our trust in God even in challenging circumstances. He is faithful and capable of guiding us through difficult situations when we align our actions with His principles.
Conclusion:
Exodus 1:15 introduces us to Shiphrah and Puah, two courageous midwives who defied the pharaoh’s order to kill Hebrew baby boys. Their example teaches us about faithful obedience, valuing and protecting life, taking a stand for justice, and trusting God’s protection. Their actions set the stage for the unfolding story of deliverance and redemption that characterises the book of Exodus.
