"Faithful in the Face of Pharaoh: The Legacy of Shiphrah and Puah"
Text: Exodus 1:9–21
Introduction: Courage in Unlikely Places
In the pages of Exodus, amid a backdrop of growing oppression and fear, we find an incredible example of godly courage—not from warriors or prophets, but from two humble women: Shiphrah and Puah, Hebrew midwives who defied the most powerful ruler on earth at the time. Their story is not just history—it’s a prophetic message to us living in the final days before Christ’s return.
1. The Context of Crisis (Exodus 1:9–14)
Pharaoh, seeing the Israelites multiply, feared their numbers. In paranoia and pride, he said, “Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we” (v. 9). He then enslaved them, hoping harsh labor would stifle their growth. But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied—because God was with them.
The devil often tries to crush God's people through affliction. But history shows that persecution doesn’t destroy the church—it purifies and multiplies it.
2. The Command of Death (Exodus 1:15–16)
Pharaoh’s fear turned to cruelty. He ordered the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to commit infanticide—kill every Hebrew male child at birth.
This wasn’t just a political order; it was a demonic attack on God’s covenant people. Pharaoh didn’t realize it, but he was interfering with God's redemptive plan—because among those Hebrew boys, one day a deliverer named Moses would be born.
3. The Midwives’ Defiance (Exodus 1:17–19)
But Shiphrah and Puah feared God more than they feared Pharaoh. They refused to obey the king’s order. When questioned, they answered with boldness and a clever response: “The Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them” (v. 19).
Their civil disobedience was not rebellion for rebellion’s sake—it was righteousness. They stood for life, truth, and obedience to God.
In a time of death and darkness, these women stood as beacons of life and light.
4. God’s Reward for the Faithful (Exodus 1:20–21)
Because of their faithfulness, God honored them. Scripture says: “Therefore God dealt well with the midwives… and made them houses” (v. 20–21).
This likely means God blessed their families and gave them lasting honor. Though they were minor characters in a mighty story, their names—Shiphrah and Puah—are forever remembered in God’s Word.
Earth may forget the faithful, but Heaven never does.
5. Lessons for the Last Days
Jesus warned that in the last days, persecution will return. The beast power in Revelation will again try to force God’s people to choose between obedience to God and obedience to earthly powers (see Revelation 13).
We may not be commanded to kill babies, but we will be pressured to compromise on truth, morality, and faith. In such times, the example of Shiphrah and Puah calls out to us:
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Fear God more than man.
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Choose conscience over convenience.
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Stand for life when the culture chooses death.
Just like the midwives, we may seem insignificant—but our faithfulness could be the link in the chain of someone else's salvation.
Conclusion: God Remembers the Faithful
The story of Shiphrah and Puah teaches us that God works through unexpected heroes. Two women with no political power shaped the future of a nation simply by obeying God.
In a world where evil grows bold and truth is often silenced, may we be like the midwives—standing strong in the face of pressure, honoring God above all, and choosing life, truth, and righteousness.
And when Christ returns, may He find us faithful.
More: EXODUS Sabbath School Lesson 1 - Oppression: The Background and the Birth of Moses
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