16 - Birth of Moses

Exodus 1:1 – 2:25

 "The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, ‘When you act as midwives to the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, she shall live.’ But the midwives feared God; they did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but they let the boys live. So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and said to them, ‘Why have you done this, and allowed the boys to live?’ The midwives said to Pharaoh, ‘Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.’ So God dealt well with the midwives; and the people multiplied and became very strong."  Exodus 1:15-20.


In the patriarchal world of Hebrew scripture, women were frequently not named and do not play key roles. When they do act, they often act by deceit and guile.  


Here two low ranking midwives, "one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah", defy the Pharaoh, and save the lives of young boys.  Other women - Moses' mother, his sister,  and Pharaoh's daughter are key to his survival.  It is women who take the first step in the liberation of the Israelites from Pharaoh's rule.  

Shiphrah and Puah save the Hebrew babies

Who are the women who have made a critical difference in your life, in the life of the nation, in the life of the church?