SHIPHRAH AND PUAH: The Unsung Heroes of Exodus
THE OPPRESSION
The Israelites multiplied greatly in Egypt and were blessed there (Ex. 1:6). Then a new king arose who did not know Joseph or his role in saving many from famine. This Pharaoh did not see the Israelites as allies but as a threat (vv. 9–10). The more they grew, the more dangerous they seemed to him. So the Egyptians cruelly oppressed God’s people with harsh labor (vv. 11–14). “But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites” (v. 12). Since forced labor failed to stop their growth, Pharaoh turned his attention to the women who assisted in childbirth. He ordered the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill all newborn boys (vv. 15–16). While there were likely other women helping in labor, it seems these two oversaw the rest.
THE OBEDIENCE
“The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live” (v. 17). They feared God, even though it meant disobeying the most powerful ruler of their time. They feared God, even though it could have cost them their lives. In ancient Egypt, Pharaoh was regarded as a god, but for these women, it was Yahweh—the God of Israel—whom they must fear above all. And so, they chose to obey God rather than man. Eventually, their disobedience was discovered. Pharaoh summoned them and demanded an explanation for why they allowed the Hebrew boys to live. “The midwives answered Pharaoh, ‘Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive’” (v. 19).
Did they lie? Perhaps partially. Scholars note that women in the ancient Near East were sometimes able to give birth quickly and without much assistance. Considering the Israelites’ oppression, it is possible that Hebrew women had indeed become stronger than Egyptian women. In short, their explanation had some basis. Still, it is clear that the midwives intentionally misled Pharaoh to save lives. Their fear of God was mixed with human weakness. Though they defied the king to obey the Lord, they did so with trembling.
THE OUTCOME
“So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous” (v. 20). God had promised Abraham that his descendants would be many (Gen. 26:4). Through the actions of Shiphrah and Puah, God’s promise was preserved. Their fear of God, though imperfect, became an instrument of His saving work. “And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own” (v. 21). God did not reward their deception but their reverence for Him, which led them to resist Pharaoh and protect the children. Because they safeguarded Israelite families, God gave them households of their own.
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Shiphrah and Puah did not have Moses’ leadership, Joshua’s military strength, Deborah’s prophetic ministry, or Samson’s might. They did not lead armies or face giants. They simply remained faithful in the role they were given. They did what was right when the world demanded they do wrong. And God used them to preserve His people, especially the innocent. Their simple yet courageous obedience earned them the honor of being called heroes. No act of faith is too small, too simple, or too hidden for God to use. Their fear of God was enough to make them defy a wicked ruler and save countless lives. It is also enough to serve as an example for us today: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecc. 12:13). Stay Curious.
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