The midwives Shiphrah and Puah

The midwives Shiphrah and Puah
Exodus 1:15-21

The midwives Shiphrah and Puah were ordered by Pharoah to kill male babies when attending Hebrew births.

Fearing God, the midwives spared them.

Questioned by Pharoah, they stated Hebrew women deliver quickly, before midwives arrive.

The quick thinking and action of these faithful, courageous women ensured the continuance of the Hebrew lineage and favour with their own families.

That these women are named in a book outlining Old Testament patriarchal lineage is significant.

What must it have been like for a young woman, friend or servant to have to kill little ones you were trying to bring into the world, because they were sons; to be asked to betray women you were there to support?

How did they find the resolve to do what they knew in their hearts to be right?

It was frightening to defy Phaoroah and then face him, all the while acting on their belief in God.

What are we called to do that challenges us, but we know we have to do it to live into God’s vision for us?

Mary Anne Grant, Hamilton.