Shiphrah and Puah, two Hebrew midwives mentioned in Exodus 1:15-21, stand as powerful examples of courage, faith, and the fear of God in the face of oppressive authority. Their actions during a time of intense persecution against the Israelites played a crucial role in preserving the covenant people and ensuring the survival of future generations. Though their social status was humble, Shiphrah and Puah are named in the biblical narrative, while the Pharaoh—arguably the most powerful man in the ancient world—remains nameless. This striking detail underscores the biblical theme that faithfulness and obedience to God matter far more than worldly power or influence.
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Historical Context: Israel’s Oppression in Egypt
The story of Shiphrah and Puah unfolds during the Israelites’ time of slavery in Egypt. After Joseph’s death, a new Pharaoh arose who did not know him or his contributions to Egypt. Viewing the rapid population growth of the Israelites as a threat, Pharaoh sought to suppress them through oppressive labor and a genocidal decree aimed at the male children (Exodus 1:8-16).
The Pharaoh’s identity is not specified in the biblical account, leading to centuries of speculation among historians and biblical scholars. Some suggest the Pharaoh may have been Ahmose I (c. 1550–1525 BC), the founder of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, known for expelling the Hyksos—a Semitic group—from Egypt, which could explain the hostility toward the Israelites. Others propose Thutmose I (c. 1506–1493 BC) or Seti I (c. 1290–1279 BC) as possible candidates, with the latter aligning with traditional timelines of Israel’s oppression before the Exodus. While these suggestions offer intriguing historical context, the Bible’s omission of Pharaoh’s name draws attention to the midwives’ courage and faith, elevating their role above that of the king in the narrative.
Defying Pharaoh’s Decree
Pharaoh ordered Shiphrah and Puah to carry out his horrific plan: “When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live” (Exodus 1:16). This decree placed the midwives in a profound moral and spiritual conflict. Their role was to bring life into the world, yet Pharaoh sought to turn them into agents of death.
Shiphrah and Puah’s decision was unequivocal: “The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live” (Exodus 1:17). Their reverence for God outweighed any fear of the king, and they refused to violate their sacred duty. This act of defiance demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the sanctity of life and their trust in God’s sovereignty.
Pharaoh’s Confrontation and the Midwives’ Wisdom
When Pharaoh realized his decree was being thwarted, he summoned Shiphrah and Puah to demand an explanation. The midwives responded cleverly, saying, “Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive” (Exodus 1:19). Their response highlighted both their resourcefulness and their courage in facing down one of history’s most feared rulers.
The stark contrast between the named midwives and the unnamed Pharaoh underscores a profound biblical truth: human power and status are insignificant compared to the fear of God and obedience to His commands. Pharaoh, despite his immense authority, is rendered a shadowy figure in this narrative, while Shiphrah and Puah are immortalized by name for their faithfulness. Their story demonstrates that those who honor God hold true significance, even when they seem powerless in the world’s eyes.
God’s Blessing on Shiphrah and Puah
Because of their courage and obedience, God blessed Shiphrah and Puah with families of their own (Exodus 1:21). This blessing was particularly meaningful for midwives, who may have been childless due to the demands of their role. God’s favor affirmed their faithfulness, providing them with a legacy that stood in stark contrast to Pharaoh’s ultimate failure. While Pharaoh sought to destroy life, the midwives preserved it, and God rewarded their obedience with the gift of life for themselves.
Their actions also had broader implications for God’s redemptive plan. By defying Pharaoh’s decree, Shiphrah and Puah safeguarded the future of the Israelite people, ensuring the survival of male children who would carry on the covenant lineage. Among these children was likely Moses, who would later lead Israel out of Egypt and into freedom. The midwives’ courage thus became a key link in the chain of God’s deliverance.
Legacy and Spiritual Lessons
Shiphrah and Puah’s story offers enduring lessons about faith, courage, and the value of obedience to God:
- God Values the Faithful, Not the Powerful: The narrative’s naming of Shiphrah and Puah, while leaving Pharaoh unnamed, highlights the Bible’s emphasis on spiritual faithfulness over worldly status. These midwives, seemingly insignificant in society, were more central to God’s purposes than the king who sought to control them.
- Obedience to God Over Human Authority: Shiphrah and Puah’s decision to defy Pharaoh demonstrates the importance of prioritizing God’s commands when they conflict with human laws. Their courage echoes the later teaching: “We must obey God rather than human beings” (Acts 5:29).
- The Fear of God as the Foundation of Courage: The midwives’ actions flowed from their fear of God—a reverence that empowered them to act righteously despite the risks. This fear of God, rather than fear of man, is the foundation of true courage and integrity.
- God’s Use of Ordinary People: Shiphrah and Puah’s story underscores how God often works through humble, ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary purposes. Their faithfulness had a profound impact on the preservation of Israel and the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan.
Conclusion
Shiphrah and Puah, though briefly mentioned in Scripture, played a pivotal role in God’s story of deliverance. Their defiance of Pharaoh and their unwavering commitment to preserving life ensured the survival of Israel’s children during a time of great oppression. By naming these midwives while leaving Pharaoh unnamed, the Bible elevates their faith and obedience above the fleeting power of a king. Their story is a powerful reminder that faithfulness to God transcends human authority and that God values those who honor Him, regardless of their worldly status. While history speculates about Pharaoh’s identity, Scripture leaves no doubt about the midwives’ legacy of faith, courage, and obedience.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10).
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New International Version (NIV)
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