Shiphrah & Puah
Exodus 1:15-22
“Hebrew women are nit like /Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive” Exodus 1:19
Joseph was the last of Abraham’s descendants to hold authority in Egypt. After his death, the Hebrew people came under the rule of a new Pharaoh who did not remember Joseph’s contributions. The Hebrews were enslaved and subjected to harsh Egyptian taskmasters. They labored under the scorching sun, building temples, houses, roads, tombs—whatever the Egyptians did not want to do themselves. Yet even under these brutal conditions, the Hebrews continued to thrive and multiply. Despite their subjugation and cruel treatment, the Hebrew women kept giving birth.
Pharaoh feared that the Hebrews would outnumber his people and threaten his authority. He summoned Shiphrah and Puah, two midwives who served the Israelite women. They were not the only midwives, but they were likely leaders—women whom others respected. Through them, Pharaoh hoped to spread his command. He ordered them to kill all male Israelite babies at birth, but to let the girls live.
However, Shiphrah and Puah were committed to preserving life, not destroying it. They defied Pharaoh’s order because they feared God more than they feared the king. As the king’s messengers, they must have shared their plan with the other midwives. When Pharaoh realized that the number of newborn Israelite males was not decreasing, he summoned Shiphrah and Puah and demanded to know why they had disobeyed.
They replied, “Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women. They are vigorous and give birth before the midwife arrives.” Pharaoh accepted their explanation.
But God was kind to the midwives, blessing them with families of their own. After Shiphrah and Puah defied Pharaoh, he issued a new decree: every newborn Hebrew boy must be thrown into the Nile River. Still, the Israelite population continued to increase, and it was during this time that Moses was born.
Devotional Lessons
Lesson 1: Thriving Under Oppression
Scripture: Exodus 1:8–14
The Hebrews went from favor to slavery. After Joseph’s death, a new Pharaoh arose who saw God’s people as a threat. They were forced to labor in the hot sun, building Egypt’s cities, roads, and tombs. Yet even under treacherous conditions, “the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied” (Exodus 1:12). God’s blessing of fruitfulness did not depend on comfortable circumstances.
Study Questions:
- Why did the new Pharaoh fear the Hebrews, even though they were already slaves?
- What kinds of forced labor did the Hebrews endure? How might this have crushed their spirits?
- How is it possible for a people to thrive and multiply under harsh treatment?
- Can you think of a time when God blessed you or grew your character in a difficult situation?
Personal Reflection Prompt: Think of one area where you feel “under pressure” right now. How might God be using that pressure to produce growth rather than defeat?
Memory Verse:
“But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread.” — Exodus 1:12 (NIV)
Lesson 2: Fear God, Not Pharaoh
Scripture: Exodus 1:15–17
Pharaoh summoned Shiphrah and Puah, two Hebrew midwives (or midwives to the Hebrews). He ordered them to kill all male babies but let the girls live. The midwives faced an impossible choice: obey the king or obey God. Their decision was clear: “They did not do as the king of Egypt commanded but let the boys live” because they feared God more than Pharaoh.
Study Questions:
- What would have been the practical consequences for Shiphrah and Puah if they disobeyed Pharaoh?
- What does it mean to “fear God” more than a human authority figure?
- Why do you think the Bible specifically records the names of these two women?
- Can you name a modern situation where someone might have to choose between God’s law and human law?
Personal Reflection Prompt: Is there an area of your life where you are quietly compromising because you fear what people might think or do? Write a short prayer asking for the courage of Shiphrah and Puah.
Memory Verse:
“The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do.” — Exodus 1:17 (NIV)
Lesson 3: Bold Wisdom and God’s Kindness
Scripture: Exodus 1:18–21
When Pharaoh discovered that male babies were still being born, he summoned the midwives. They told him: “Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife arrives.” Pharaoh accepted this explanation. Meanwhile, God was kind to the midwives and gave them families of their own. Their courageous disobedience was met with divine blessing.
Study Questions:
- Was Shiphrah and Puah’s answer to Pharaoh a lie, a half-truth, or a wise deflection? Why might God have honored it?
- How does God’s kindness to the midwives (giving them children) contrast with Pharaoh’s cruelty?
- Why is it significant that Scripture says, “God was kind to the midwives” rather than simply “God rewarded them”?
- How can you practice “bold wisdom” when speaking to authority figures who oppose God’s ways?
Personal Reflection Prompt: Think of a time when you had to give an answer under pressure. Looking back, did you speak with wisdom, fear, or compromise? What would you do differently now?
Memory Verse:
“And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own.” — Exodus 1:21 (NIV)
Lesson 4: One Act of Courage Changes History
Scripture: Exodus 1:22–2:10
After the midwives’ defiance, Pharaoh issued a new, public decree: every Hebrew boy must be thrown into the Nile. But the Israelite population continued to increase. It was under this shadow of death that Moses was born—hidden, saved, and drawn from the water. Shiphrah and Puah’s quiet rebellion made Moses’ birth and survival possible. One act of courage can ripple through generations.
Study Questions:
- Why did Pharaoh escalate his cruelty after the midwives’ disobedience, rather than give up?
- How did the midwives’ courage create a pathway for Moses to be born and saved?
- What does this teach you about the long-term impact of small, faithful decisions?
- Who in your spiritual “family tree” took a courageous stand that made your faith possible?
Personal Reflection Prompt: Imagine you are writing a letter to your future grandchildren. What act of courage do you hope they will say you modeled for them?
Memory Verse:
“The Israelites continued to increase in number and became too powerful to handle.” — Exodus 1:20 (NTE / adapted from NIV)