Shiphrah and Puah are two heroines of faith from the Old Testament. They are mentioned in just a few verses in the book of Exodus, but their courage and faithfulness make them an exceptional example for women today.
They were Hebrew midwives living during the time when the people of Israel were enslaved in Egypt. Pharaoh noticed how the Hebrews were multiplying and feared they would become stronger than the Egyptians. Therefore, he began to oppress them with hard labor. Moreover, he ordered the two midwives to kill every male child born to a Hebrew woman. However, they did not comply (cf. Exodus, ch. 1, vs. 15 – 20).
The two women knew that there was Someone above Pharaoh, and even if they worked for the one hiring them, their true master was the Lord God. The reason they did not follow Pharaoh's order is given to us in verse 17: "But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive" (the bold font is ours). The fear of God, referred to by David as "the beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 111, vs. 10) is what prevents Shiphrah and Puah from carrying out the command.
At that time, midwives typically became such because they could not have children themselves. If that was the case, Shiphrah and Puah were likely married women without children. They could have harbored bitterness against God, as well as against the birthing Hebrew women. They might have decided that since they did not have children, other women should not enjoy motherhood either. However, the midwives did not think this way: even if childless, they were devoted to God in their hearts. Their faith was so mature that they could rejoice when God blessed other women with children. They even risked their lives to protect the blessings of others. Their courage and obedience opened the door to God's blessing in their own lives. The Lord opened their wombs, allowing them to create their own families: "And because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own" (verse 21).
Shiphrah and Puah are a wonderful example of what it means to be obedient to God and honor Him in every area of one's life. And the Lord always blesses such an attitude.
"Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised" (Proverbs 31, vs. 30).
*Scripture quotations are from the Bible, revised edition © Bulgarian Bible Society 2015