Exodus 1:15

Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah,

Study Bible

Then the king of Egypt
The phrase introduces us to the ruler of Egypt, often referred to as Pharaoh. In the historical context, Pharaohs were considered divine figures, ruling with absolute power. The Hebrew word for king, "melek," signifies a sovereign authority. This sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of oppression and deliverance, highlighting the contrast between earthly power and divine intervention.

said to the Hebrew midwives
The Hebrew word for "said" is "amar," which implies a command or decree. The midwives, "meyalledot," were responsible for assisting in childbirth, a role of significant importance in ancient societies. The mention of "Hebrew" specifies their ethnic identity, indicating their connection to the Israelites, who were living in Egypt at the time. This phrase underscores the tension between the Egyptian authority and the Hebrew people, setting the stage for the midwives' courageous defiance.

whose names were Shiphrah and Puah
Naming the midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, is significant. In Hebrew culture, names often carry deep meanings and reflect character or destiny. "Shiphrah" can mean "beauty" or "brightness," while "Puah" may mean "splendid" or "fragrant." Their inclusion by name in the biblical text highlights their importance and valor. These women, though seemingly insignificant in the eyes of the world, play a crucial role in God's plan for His people, demonstrating that God often uses the humble and obedient to fulfill His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King of Egypt (Pharaoh)
The ruler of Egypt who felt threatened by the growing population of the Israelites and sought to suppress them through oppressive measures.

2. Hebrew Midwives (Shiphrah and Puah)
Two women tasked by Pharaoh to kill Hebrew male infants at birth. Their role is significant as they are named and remembered for their defiance against the king's orders.

3. Egypt
The land where the Israelites lived in bondage. It represents a place of oppression and hardship for the Hebrew people.

4. Hebrews/Israelites
The descendants of Jacob living in Egypt, who were growing in number and strength, causing fear in the heart of Pharaoh.

5. Oppression of the Israelites
The broader context of this verse is the increasing oppression of the Israelites by the Egyptians, which sets the stage for the eventual Exodus.

Teaching Points

Courage in Obedience to God
Shiphrah and Puah exemplify the courage to obey God over human authority when the two are in conflict. Their actions remind us of the importance of standing firm in our faith, even when faced with difficult choices.

The Value of Every Life
The midwives' refusal to kill the Hebrew infants underscores the sanctity of life. This principle calls us to uphold the value of life in our own contexts, advocating for the vulnerable and voiceless.

God's Sovereignty in Adversity
Despite Pharaoh's oppressive plans, God's purposes for His people prevail. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem dire.

The Role of Women in God's Plan
Shiphrah and Puah's significant role highlights how God uses women to accomplish His purposes. It encourages us to recognize and support the contributions of women in ministry and leadership.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do Shiphrah and Puah's actions in Exodus 1:15 inspire us to act courageously in our own lives when faced with moral dilemmas?

2. In what ways can we advocate for the sanctity of life in our communities, drawing from the example of the Hebrew midwives?

3. How does the account of the Hebrew midwives connect with other biblical examples of civil disobedience for the sake of righteousness?

4. What does the account of Shiphrah and Puah teach us about God's sovereignty and His ability to work through individuals to fulfill His promises?

5. How can we support and encourage the role of women in our churches and communities, inspired by the example of Shiphrah and Puah?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12:2-3
God's promise to Abraham about making his descendants a great nation, which is being fulfilled despite the oppression in Egypt.

Acts 5:29
The principle of obeying God rather than men, as demonstrated by the midwives' actions in defying Pharaoh's orders.

Proverbs 31:8-9
The call to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, which aligns with the midwives' protection of the Hebrew infants.