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Exodus 1:15 (BSB)
Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah,
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah,” — Exodus 1:15
In this moment, the king of Egypt is commanding two Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to carry out a chilling order. The tension is palpable, as you can almost feel the weight of his authority crashing down on them. He’s trying to control the situation, trying to suppress the growing population of Hebrew people. This isn’t just a simple command; it’s a heart-wrenching demand that puts their morals and lives at risk. You can sense their fear, but also their strength, knowing they are in a position to make a choice that could change everything.
The book of Exodus was traditionally attributed to Moses, who lived through these events. He wanted to document the struggles of his people and highlight their resilience. By including the names of the midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, Moses is showing us that even in the darkest times, there are ordinary people who stand up for what’s right. Their bravery becomes a beacon of hope, and Moses wants us to remember that it’s often the unsung heroes who make the biggest difference.
Exodus was written during a time when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, which was a powerful empire around 1500-1200 BC. The Egyptians were afraid of losing their control over the Israelites, who were growing in number. This historical backdrop is essential because it helps us understand the fear and desperation that led Pharaoh to order such horrific acts. It paints a vivid picture of a society where fear drives leaders to oppressive measures, making the midwives’ act of courage all the more remarkable.
This verse matters for you today because it highlights a moment of moral conflict and bravery. Just like Shiphrah and Puah, you might find yourself in situations where you have to choose between following orders and standing up for what you believe is right. Their story reminds you that your choices can have a profound impact, and that standing up for life and goodness can change the course of events. It encourages you to consider how you respond to injustice in your own life, no matter how small or large.
This week, think about a situation where you might feel pressured to go along with something you believe is wrong. Challenge yourself to speak up or take action in a way that aligns with your values. It could be as simple as advocating for a friend who’s being treated unfairly or making a stand for what you believe in at school or work. Remember, even small acts of courage can create ripples of change!
This verse is a critical point in Exodus 1, where the Israelites are suffering under oppressive rule in Egypt. The chapter sets the stage by showing how the Israelites have multiplied and how the Pharaoh, feeling threatened, decides to take drastic measures to control them. It leads to this moment where he instructs the midwives to kill newborn boys. This order reveals the brutal lengths the king will go to in order to maintain power, and it sets up the midwives' courageous response that follows, showcasing their defiance and loyalty to life over oppression.
What does this moment teach you about the power of choice when facing authority or pressure to conform?
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