Exodus 1:15

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:

Exodus 1:15 (KJV)

Context

Exodus opens with the descendants of Jacob living in Egypt. They multiplied greatly, and the new king of Egypt saw their numbers as a political threat. In this setting, the king speaks directly to two Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah.

Meaning

The king of Egypt, commonly understood to be the pharaoh, addresses these women by name. They are the first named individuals in the book of Exodus. Their Hebrew names are preserved with care; Shiphrah may mean “beauty,” and Puah may mean “splendor.” The text calls them “Hebrew midwives,” which most likely means they were Hebrew women, though some ancient writers suggested they might have been Egyptians. Their Hebrew names strongly support that they were Israelites.

The pharaoh’s direct address shows the extreme pressure of the situation. He feared that the Israelites had become too numerous and too powerful, so he planned to use these midwives to reduce their population. This verse sets the stage for his command in the next verse, where he orders them to kill Hebrew baby boys at birth. The contrast is striking: the powerful king of Egypt speaks to two seemingly powerless women, yet their fear of God will prove greater than their fear of any human ruler.

Biblical connections

This moment is a prelude to the birth of Moses and the eventual deliverance of Israel. God’s providence works through the courageous actions of ordinary people like Shiphrah and Puah. Their faithful obedience is later acknowledged in Exodus 1:17, where they refuse to follow the king’s command because they feared God. This connection shows that God can use the bravery of humble individuals to protect His people and advance His redemptive plan.

Application

Shiphrah and Puah faced a difficult choice. They were ordered by the pharaoh to kill innocent infants, but they chose to obey God’s moral law instead. Their example encourages us to prioritize obedience to God above any human command that contradicts His will. They also displayed deep respect for human life, recognizing the sanctity of every newborn child. Their actions teach us to value and protect life, especially the most vulnerable among us.

These midwives demonstrated moral courage by refusing to participate in an evil plan. Their act of resistance played a role in preserving many Israelite boys. This serves as an example for us to stand against injustice and oppression, even when it is risky or unpopular. Their trust in God’s protection was not driven by self-interest but by faith. As believers, we can draw strength from their example and learn to trust God even in challenging circumstances, knowing that He is faithful to guide us when we align our actions with His principles.

Reflection

Shiphrah and Puah were ordinary women placed in an extraordinary situation. Their names are remembered because they feared God more than they feared the king. Their quiet courage set the stage for the unfolding story of deliverance and redemption that characterizes the book of Exodus. Their example reminds us that God often works through humble, faithful people to accomplish His purposes, and that true strength is found in reverent obedience to Him.