“But as for the midwives, the Hebrew women’s midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah:”
Exodus 1:20 is a verse found in the book of Exodus, which narrates the events of the Israelites’ enslavement and their eventual liberation from Egypt. To understand the significance of this verse, it’s essential to consider the context.
In the preceding verses, Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, had issued a decree to the Hebrew midwives, instructing them to kill all the Hebrew male babies at the time of their birth. However, the midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, acted in defiance of Pharaoh’s command. They refused to carry out the order and allowed the male children to live.
Significance of the midwives: The midwives mentioned in this verse played a crucial role in preserving the lives of the Hebrew male infants. Their bravery and faithfulness to God’s commandments are noteworthy. Their actions were an act of civil disobedience against Pharaoh’s unjust and evil decree.
Hebrew midwives: The text specifies that these midwives were Hebrew women. Their connection to the Hebrew community adds to the gravity of their disobedience. They were faced with a difficult decision, as defying Pharaoh’s orders could have dire consequences for their own lives.
Shiphrah and Puah: The names of the two midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, are mentioned in this verse. While little else is known about these women from the biblical text, their names have symbolic meanings. Shiphrah means “beauty” or “improvement,” and Puah means “splendid” or “radiant.” These meanings might reflect the qualities of courage and compassion that the midwives displayed.
Faithfulness to God: The actions of Shiphrah and Puah demonstrate their faithfulness to God and their commitment to protecting innocent lives. By refusing to kill the Hebrew male infants, they acted in alignment with God’s commandments to preserve life and value human dignity.
God’s blessing and favor: The midwives’ defiance did not go unnoticed by God. In the subsequent verses, God rewards them for their faithfulness. Exodus 1:21 states, “And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.” God blessed Shiphrah and Puah, ensuring that they had families of their own.
This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice, even in the face of great risk. It highlights the moral responsibility to protect and preserve life, which is a consistent theme throughout the Bible. The actions of these midwives set the stage for God’s intervention in the liberation of the Israelites from their oppressive bondage in Egypt.
In summary, Exodus 1:20 sheds light on the courageous actions of the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, who defied Pharaoh’s decree to kill Hebrew male infants. Their faithfulness to God and their commitment to protecting innocent lives serve as an inspiration for believers today to stand up against injustice and demonstrate compassion and courage.
