Shiphrah & Puah's Children's Study
Brave Midwives
Long ago in Egypt, a mean king named Pharaoh told God’s people, the Hebrews, to work very hard. But the more they worked, the more God blessed them with happy, healthy babies!
When Hebrew women gave birth to their babies they were nursed by midwives. These were women who attended the women and helped them give birth to their babies as they were born.
Pharaoh was worried that the Hebrew men would soon outnumber the Egyptian men who ruled over the Hebrews and treated them poorly as salves. So, he called two midwives to him named Shiphrah and Puah. “When a Hebrew baby boy is born,” he commanded, “you must not let him live.” He wanted there to be fewer Hebrew men.
But Shiphrah and Puah loved God more than they feared the king, and they quietly said, “No.” They refused to kill they Hebrew babies. They helped every baby be born safe and strong.
When Pharaoh asked why so many Hebrew baby boys were still alive, the midwives cleverly said, “Hebrew mothers are so strong that their babies come before we even arrive!” God was so pleased with Shiphrah and Puah that He gave them families of their very own.
Devotional Lessons
Lesson 1: Fear God more than people
Leo’s friend dared him to steal a candy bar from the store. Leo’s heart raced. He remembered that God sees everything. He took a deep breath and said, “No, that’s wrong. I obey God.” He walked away, and his friend was quiet.
Study Questions for Lesson 1:
- Who did Shiphrah and Puah fear more, Pharaoh or God?
- What might have happened to the midwives if Pharaoh found out they disobeyed?
- Why is it sometimes hard to do what God wants instead of what people want?
- Can you think of a time when you chose to obey God even when someone asked you to do something wrong?
Lesson 2: Courage can be quiet
Mia saw a bigger kid take a toy from a little girl. The little girl started to cry. Mia didn’t yell or fight. She quietly walked over, put her arm around the little girl, and said, “I’ll help you find another toy.” Her quiet courage made everything better.
Study Questions for Lesson 2:
- Did Shiphrah and Puah shout at Pharaoh or make a big scene?
- What are some quiet ways you can show courage at school or home?
- Why is it sometimes braver to be quiet than to be loud?
- How did God reward the midwives for their quiet courage?
Lesson 3: Use wisdom with your words
Eli accidentally broke his mom’s favorite vase. When she asked what happened, he wanted to lie. But he took a breath and calmly said, “I’m sorry, Mom. It was an accident.” His mom hugged him and said, “Thank you for telling the truth.”
Study Questions for Lesson 3:
- What did Shiphrah and Puah say to Pharaoh when he questioned them?
- Do you think their answer was a lie or a wise way to tell the truth? Why?
- How can you use wise words when someone is angry at you?
- Why does God want us to speak the truth with kindness?
Lesson 4: God blesses those who do right
Sofia shared her lunch with a new student who had no food. No one clapped or gave her a prize. But that night, she felt a warm happiness inside. Her mom surprised her with her favorite dessert. God sees every good thing we do.
Study Questions for Lesson 4:
- How did God show He was pleased with Shiphrah and Puah?
- Did the midwives receive their blessing right away or later?
- Can you name a blessing God has given you for doing something kind?
- Why should we do the right thing even if no one rewards us?
Big Truth Statement
When we obey God instead of fearing powerful people, He sees our bravery, protects us, and gives us good gifts.
Big Ideas for Children
- Fear God first – He is the real King over everyone and everything.
- Be brave quietly – You don’t need to shout to be courageous.
- Use wise words – God can help you say the right thing at the right time.
- God always sees you – Your secret acts of goodness never go unnoticed.
Children’s Activities
- Brave Midwife Puppets
Draw Shiphrah and Puah on paper bags or craft sticks. Use a paper crown for Pharaoh. Act out the story together. Let children practice saying, “We fear God more than the king!” - Blessing Family Tree
Give each child a large paper tree trunk. On paper leaves, have them draw or write names of family members. Discuss how God blessed the midwives with families and how He blesses us too. Glue the leaves on the tree. - “What Would You Say?” Role Play
Create simple scenarios: “A friend tells you to lie to your teacher.” “Someone says to leave out a lonely classmate.” Let children practice saying in a strong, calm voice, “I will do what is right because God sees me.” Take turns being the tempter and the brave child.