“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:”
Introduction
This brief passage opens a pivotal moment in the Exodus story. It introduces two unnamed but named Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, who live under the authority of the Egyptian king. The verse invites us to consider how courage, faith, and obedience to God can operate within ordinary duties—caregiving in a birth room becoming a stand of allegiance to life and justice. As we begin, we sense the tension between divine purposes and earthly power, and we are invited to trust that God honors faithful, courageous acts even when they occur in the mundane routines of daily life.
Historical-Cultural Context and Authorship
The book of Exodus situates itself within the larger narrative of the Hebrew people’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. The king of Egypt represents a system of oppression that fears the growth of the Hebrew population. Midwives were essential figures in ancient households and communities, tasked with the delicate and crucial work of assisting births. Their names—Shiphrah and Puah—are preserved in the text as a reminder that individual lives and acts of courage matter to God. The author of Exodus pens this scene to highlight the early seeds of resistance to tyranny, and to show that human obedience to God’s moral order often stands in quiet contrast to oppressive decrees. The passage thus sits at the intersection of political power, gendered labor, and divine providence.
Characters and Places
- Shiphrah: one of the Hebrew midwives mentioned by name, emblematic of compassionate care and courageous service.
- Puah: the other named midwife, partner in safeguarding life and resisting a cruel royal policy.
- The king of Egypt: the ruler who issues decrees concerning the Hebrew population.
- Egypt: the setting of the oppression and the place from which the Israelites are later delivered.
Explanation and Meaning of the Text
This verse introduces a quiet yet significant act of defiance: two women entrusted with the birth of new life choose to honor the God of life over an earthly command that would jeopardize infants. Their names are given for memory and honor, signaling that the Bible values the contributions of women in preservation of life and justice. Although the narrative does not record the outcome here, the subsequent chapters reveal that God observes their righteous deeds and responds in ways that advance His purposes. The passage invites readers to consider: What does it look like to protect life when policies discourage it? How can we act with wisdom, discretion, and faith in environments that seem hostile to God’s ways? In short, Shiphrah and Puah model faithful, pragmatic courage—care that respects the sacred worth of every child.
Devotional
The heart of this text calls us to reflect on the ordinary moments where we are invited to choose life, mercy, and truth. May we be like Shiphrah and Puah, who used their authority and influence to protect the vulnerable, trusting God with the outcomes, even when the path is unclear or risky. Let us pray for courage to act justly in our own day, offering compassionate service within our communities as an expression of reverent faith.
In faith, we remember that God notices small acts of mercy and can weave them into His larger plan of redemption. May our daily decisions, however humble, honor the dignity of every person and reflect the steadfast love of the God who calls us to righteousness.