Tuesday: The Hebrew Midwives
Daily Lesson for Tuesday 1st of July 2025
One cannot understand the book of Exodus without presupposing the teachings of Genesis. The Jews moved to Egypt, and, after a time of great prosperity and peace, they were enslaved.
But God did not abandon His people to their problems, even though it may sometimes have seemed so. No doubt many of the Hebrew people despaired of their plight. Yet, in the time of distress, God comes to help with His mighty hand. Our Lord encourages His followers: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me” (Psalms 50:15, NKJV).
Read Exodus 1:9-21. What key role did the faithful midwives play, and why are they remembered in history?
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No pharaoh has a name in the book of Exodus. They carry the title of “Pharaoh” only, which means “king.” The Egyptians believed that the pharaoh was a god on earth, the son of the god Ra (or Osiris or Horus). Ra was considered the highest Egyptian deity, the sun god himself.
Yet despite all his power, this “god” was not able to force the midwives to go contrary to their convictions. In fact, in contrast to the nameless pharaoh, the two midwives are named, Shiphrah and Puah (Exodus 1:15); they are highly esteemed because they feared the Lord. Pharaoh’s wicked command had no effect on them because they respected God more than the orders of an earthly ruler (see also Acts 5:29). Thus, God blessed them with their own large families. What a powerful testimony to faithfulness. These women, regardless of how little they knew of theology, knew not only what was right but chose to do what was right.
When Pharaoh saw that his plot had failed, he commanded the Egyptians to kill all the male babies born to the Hebrews. They were to throw them into the Nile River, probably as an offering to Hapi, the god of the Nile, and also a god of fertility. (This is the first recorded time that Jews are to be killed only because they are Jews.) The purpose of the death decree was to subdue the Hebrews, to annihilate all male descendants, and to assimilate the women into the Egyptian nation, thus ending the threat that Pharaoh believed the Hebrews posed to his nation.
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The midwives not only knew what the right action was to take, but they took it. What’s the obvious message here for us? |
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It’s remarkable that while the name of the Pharaoh has been lost and forgotten, the names of the two faithful midwives Shiphrah and Puah have been preserved (Exodus 1:15). Their boldness in honoring God over a prominent and powerful king reminds us that God sees and values every act of faithfulness, no matter how small, using it to further His Kingdom.
Whether you are serving in a church of 100 or 10,000 members, working in an office, or raising children at home, your obedience matters. Each of us is called to live faithfully in the place we’ve been planted. Are we prioritizing influence, comfort, or ambition over our devotion to God? Scripture reminds us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). Our allegiance to God should shape every part of our lives. May we, like Shiphrah and Puah, be remembered not for position or power, but for our unwavering faithfulness. “Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained” (1 Samuel 2:30). May their legacy become our own.
I admit to a wry smile when I read about Shiphrah and Puah. They deserve a mention in history. Their answer to Pharoah that the Hebrew women were strong and too quick for them is a classic.
On the farm when the cows had their calves, some of them were very good at hiding them. By the time we arrived on the scene in the morning, you would find the cow quietly grazing in the paddock. You knew she had calved but the calf was nowhere in sight. They had carefully hidden it in the bushes, and it sometimes took a while to find it.
And clearly, the Hebrew women were pretty good at hiding their babies, too.
It is worth noting that slavery in Egypt is more complex than the chattel slavery (owned as a commodity) of more recent times. Modern tourists in Egypt are often told that ancient Egypt did not have slavery. That claim is based on the differences between the slavery we are familiar with and the way the Egyptian slavery worked. During the flood season when nobody could work the fields, the working populace were required to do work on the building projects of the nation. Once the floods had subsided, agriculture became more important. Some slaves even had their own land and were allowed to work it. Of course, the government had control of the crop, but as is shown in the story of Joseph, it was a means of ensuring against famine. It is quite possible that the Hebrews, if they were part of the Hyksos period, had a fair degree of autonomy, but at the same time, the Egyptian upper-classes had become dependent on them. Some of the events surrounding the Hebrews' exit from Egypt would indicate that. And we also should remember that a "mixed multitude" left with them.
Getting back to the story of the midwives. It is notable that God's purpose is often accomplished through the work of ordinary people doing ordinary things in exceptional circumstances.
So interesting. I also find the midwives so faithful
The Hebrew midwives (Shiphrah and Puah) not resisted an evil power, but they saved a nation. They exhibited profound moral courage and true patriotism ground in faith and good conscience. This is what genuine civil disobedience looks like. The covenant people were preserved out of the actions of two women doing their work right. The nature of their work is to preserve life and not to destroy life. These two women teaches us valuable lessons worth to emulate.
1. It is biblical to resist injustice through civil disobedience. The averted state sponsored genocide. Defiance to give allegiance to God’s moral law is what the bible teaches.
2. Patriotism should be motivated by higher moral and spiritual principles. Patriotism not based on moral values is simply bigotry.
3. Faith service can save a family, a community, a society, a nation and mankind. What would happen if all employees were to provide honest and faithful services?
4. God honors those who stand for life and righteousness, even in dangerous circumstances.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” - Proverbs 31:8–9 (NIV)
Great summary
Solomon says about the ideal woman, “She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. . . . Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come” (Proverbs 31:17, 25). While the apostle Peter describes women this way: “Husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life” (1 Peter 3:7). Is this contradictory? Is one saying that women are strong and the other that women are weak?
Last Sabbath, the day my Mom came home from rehab after breaking her hip, she had a massive seizure while I was watching. I can't even describe for you how it has affected me. It was 10-15 minutes of horror in a scene I hope and pray I never see again. I thought that was her final moment and not being able to do anything to help her as she turned into a convulsing zombie was traumatizing. I followed the ambulance to the hospital and remained with her there for hours. Many other people on the edge came in while I was there with her...gunshot victims, overdose victims. The florescent lights seared into my skull into the early 2 am hour before I got her home and into bed. I've been through so many ER scenes with her now. God miraculously saved her this time, but even in my relief I have not bounced back as I have before. 3 years of nonstop 24/7 caregiving has finally taken its toll, my emotions and mind are at a breaking point of PTSD, and I'm currently staying at a friend's empty house to recuperate, after setting up help for my Mom with skilled nursing. One family member was very upset that I've stepped away and angrily said something like, "Why are you so sensitive, so weak, you should be here with your mother!" (He's since apologized.) Another inferred that I am overly emotional.
So is it possible as a woman to be both strong and weak? I think so, actually I know so! Part of our strength as women is caring so deeply. Intuiting and empathizing right into our own core. It is what drives us to keep going and to do the hard things. It is what drives us to defend the vulnerable .
I see this with the midwives Shiphrah and Puah. I like to think, like me, they were shaking and their minds were popping as they went to bat on behalf of others...the mothers, and the other midwives, the babies, the families, for the side of love and peace and life. Their stomachs were in knots before Pharaoh even though they spoke boldly. Probably some of the horror of killing infants was going on and they may have even witnessed it. Just as in Jesus' time when Herod killed the babies the prophet says, "Rachel is weeping for her children; She refuses to be comforted for her children, Because they are no more.” (Jer. 31:15).
It seems they were not even Hebrew midwives (maybe they were Semites) because Pharaoh probably would not expect Hebrews to kill their own. Also, they seemed to know something about how the Egyptian women birth (Ex. 1:19) and Egyptian women would probably not have Hebrew midwives....so their strength of purpose in adversity is even more remarkable in that they were defending out of God's agape love rather than out of tribal/familial obligation. And even in Pharaoh's daughter we see another woman who is bold in spite of living in a palatial world where men were honored as gods...her heart led her to bring a Hebrew boy into the palace as her own....I'm sure there were many among her family and friends who disapproved.
So right now I would say the apostle Peter is right....as a woman I do feel like a weak vessel, I'm not able to distance my emotions from my mother as others in my family can ....and so I claim the promise given to Paul in 2 Cor. 12:9: “ 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." And looking to God's kingdom by faith, I can see one day when there will be no more tears or sickness, where with my mother and all women who care and feel so deeply, I/we will "rejoice at the time to come" (Prov. 31:25).
Esther, I can feel your pain. I experienced this with my mother. She broke her hip twice and was also demented. As the oldest daughter, I was very closely involved with my mother's illness. It broke my heart to see what had become of a strong woman in her old age. It is indeed not easy, sometimes when you are at the end of your strength. But God gives strength in the most difficult hours. And that is what I have built on. May God continue to guide you in this difficult period with your mother. Find your strength in God.
Esther, I feel your pain. I was the caregiver for my mother who had dementia. It is a very difficult job. It's hard to take care of yourself so you don't spiral down, too. The people who criticize you, have no idea how hard it is. I pray for rest for your body and heart.
Thank you Esther for openness and honesty! May God strengthen you to continue in a healthy way to care for your mom. We all need respite from time time. Jesus did call His disciples to come apart for a while.
Amen
Esther, thank you for sharing your experience. It was raw and so very impactful. I am so sorry you and your mom are going through these hard times. While reading your story I thought to myself—what an incredibly strong woman she is. The family members you are mentioning have not walked in your shoes at all; had they walked, they probably would offer you a relief of caretaking long time ago themselves or certainly have a different tone. I am so glad you are taking a respite to gather yourself and rest that you so desperately need. Rest and exhaustion is NOT a sign of weakness, Esther, it’s a necessity. Just as much we need rest from a day’s work, we need rest from daily grind that takes toll on our physical, emotion and mental health. Three years of 24/7! Your mother is so blessed to have you ❤️
Everything you say about women I concur: we have a very special role in all we do—from child rearing to other obligations that only woman can do. God’s grace IS sufficient and HE SEES you and all you are doing in your faithfulness to Him.
Hi Esther, I feel your pain. I have felt it many times as a man on behalf of my wife, just watching her talking and taking care of her Dad. It really breaks my heart, but I know that she does it all out of love. So keep heart there is coming a better day, God is with you. Blessings.
Dear Esther,
Three years of nonstop 24/7 caregiving is a very long time without relief! I believe Jesus says to you now, "Come away to a quiet place and rest a while," as He said to His disciples long ago. (Mark 6:31)
May our gracious Lord restore your soul in this valley. I hope you're in a situation where you can enjoy the beauty of God's creation.
Your contributions to this blog have been a blessing to so many of us. I'm glad that you are still writing!
Thank you so much, each of you, for your loving support , encouragement and prayers. Jesus understands our caregiving struggles … He was looking out for His mother, even on the cross. All is in His Hands 🙏🏻
Esther, I said a prayer for you right now. Please take care of yourself so you can be there for your mother and others again. Know that God understands when others don't.
🫂🫂🫂❤️
What about the Hebrew Midwives, which is pivotal to the lesson study for Tuesday?
Reading today's study,Moses'birth,-Exodus 1-caused me to reflect on Matthew chapter 2 at the birth of Jesus. As 'god' Pharaoh issued command to destroy the male children so did 'god'Herod. The midwives saved the boys,in Matthew chapter 2,God used the wise men to to avert Herod's plan, an angel was sent to Joseph to leave with the mother and child. Moses was to be the 'deliverer'then Jesus our Deliverer now from sin.
To follow sound principles and righteousness requires listening to the voice of conscience. The Holy Spirit can awaken what we have learned is right. Whether we rationalize our actions and go against righteousness is a choice—a choice made every minute.
What a vivid picture of the changing seasons and scenes of life ...even for God's children. Years of prosperity and peace then enslavement not because they turned their backs on the Living God but because one who makes the decision and oils the wheel of life did not know Jehovah God.
The Hebrew midwives' resolve to remain faithful amid dictatorship and possibly death encourages us living in endtime to strive for that mastery of obeying God rather then man.For we reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us Romans 8:18
Shiphrah and Puah were brave because they remembered who they were—and whose they were. They didn’t see themselves as mere victims of slavery, but as servants of the living God. Their reverence for God empowered them to defy the most powerful man in the land. In doing so, they played a vital role in the deliverance of an entire nation.
Just as Egypt forgot Joseph and drifted into fear-driven oppression, we as Seventh-day Adventists risk losing our prophetic identity when we forget our roots—how God has led us, shaped us, and raised up this movement for a distinct purpose.
When we lose sight of God's unique calling—grounded in the Three Angels' Messages, we begin comparing ourselves to other Protestant churches rather than standing firmly on the distinctive truths God entrusted to us.
Ellen White reminds us: “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.” (Life Sketches, p. 196)
God did not raise up the Advent movement to blend in—but to proclaim a specific, end-time message. When we forget this, we risk watering down our mission in pursuit of cultural acceptance or ecumenical alignment—yet this is exactly what we were warned against.
Just as Pharaoh’s forgetfulness led Egypt into oppression, our own spiritual amnesia can lead us into irrelevance. The world doesn’t need another echo—it needs a church that will stand boldly and faithfully for truth.
“A new king arose who knew not Joseph.” May it never be said that a new generation of Adventists arose who knew not our God-given identity. Instead, may it be said that this new generation of Adventists was like Shiphrah and Puah—because they remembered whose they are and what they’ve been called to do.
Where is it written that Shiphrah and Puah were Hebrew. I believe they were Egyptians whose job was to provide the service of being midwives.
Beverly read:History of the Jewish nation from its early days to the revolt against Rome in AD 66.
While the affairs of the Hebrews were in this condition, there was this occasion offered itself to the Egyptians, which made them more solicitous for the extinction of our nation.
One of those sacred scribes, who are very sagacious in foretelling future events truly, told the king, that about this time there would a child be born to the Israelites, who, if he were reared, would bring the Egyptian dominion low, and would raise the Israelites; that he would excel all men in virtue, and obtain a glory that would be remembered through all ages.
This thing was so feared by the king, that, according to this man's opinion, he commanded that they should cast every male child, which was born to the Israelites, into the river, and destroy it. Besides this, the Egyptian midwives should watch the labors of the Hebrew women, and observe what is born, for those were the women who were enjoined to do the office of midwives to them; and by reason of their relation to the king, would not transgress his commands. Exodus 1:19
This passage lead me to believe the midwives were Egyptians, not Hebrew.
He enjoined also, that if any parents should disobey him, and venture to save their male children alive, they and their families should be destroyed.
This was a severe affliction indeed to those that suffered it, not only as they were deprived of their sons, and while they were the parents themselves, they were obliged to be subservient to the destruction of their own children, but as it was to be supposed to tend to the extirpation of their nation, while upon the destruction of their children, and their own gradual dissolution, the calamity would become very hard and inconsolable to them.
And this was the ill state they were in
But no one can be too hard for the purpose of God, though he contrive ten thousand subtle devices for that end; for this child, whom the sacred scribe foretold, was brought up and concealed from the observers appointed by the king; and he that foretold him did not mistake in the consequences of his preservation, which were brought to pass.
Beverly consdier this:
3 American King James Version — Exodus 1:19
19 And the midwives said to Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in to them.
These passages lead me to believe the midwives were Egyptians not Hebrew.
Context is crucial: Ex. 1:15 note
And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah:
While the KJV Bible leaves the expression "Hebrew midwives" a bit ambiguous - "Hebrew midwives", or midwives to the Hebrews", there are a couple of indicators that I believe take away that ambiguity.
Finally, irrespective of their ethnic background, surely the most important part of this story is their action and their cheeky response to Pharoah.
Most likely they were Hebrew because their names are Semitic, not Egyptian. But either way, one gets the idea from the scriptures that they attended both Hebrew and Egyptian births because they were able to give the Pharaoh a comparison ( Exodus 1:19) and tell him that the “…Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.” Also, the fact that Pharaoh called for them shows that they were held in high respect (as most midwives were) among the Egyptians and the Hebrews, probably as a result of their great skill and experience. In Egyptian society in those days gynecology and obstetrics were considered sacred. Both the father’s and the mother’s genealogy were considered important. As was the nuclear family.