Shiphrah and Pua

Exodus 1:15

Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Pua :16 and He said “when you are helping the Hebrew women to give birth, and see them upon the birthstool, if it is a son, then you shall put him to death, but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.”

Shiphrah and Pua. These are two common women who You used, Father, to keep the Israelites on the course of Your eternal plan for them.

The king himself spoke to these two women. There was no one higher than the king in Egypt. It would be like the President of the U.S. himself calling me and having me come to the White House and telling me something that I had to do for him.

In trying to imagine what it was like to be summoned by the king, and told to murder babies, how did they feel, what were they thinking as they were leaving his presence?

Since your word says twice (Ex1:17, 21) that they “feared God” (reverenced) it seems to me when they left the king they knew in their hearts they could never do what he commanded. But what could they do? To them there was no option because they “feared God”. They had to do what they knew was right in His eyes.

And when the king summoned them again, he asked them, “Why have you done this thing and let the boys live?” So the midwives answered Pharaoh and said “"Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife can get to them."
(Ex 1:18,19)
The commentaries vary on whether this was the truth or not. There are many interpretations of this, one being that the Israelites “were under an extraordinary blessing of increase, which well be supposed to have this effect.” (Wesley)  Another says that their faith was inspired with courage to do what was right but blended with weakness in the way they answered. Whether it was truth, half truth or a lie, this is what they answered.

The Bible does not say anything about retribution upon them for disobeying the Pharaoh.
To me it seems that it would have really made him mad and want to punish them in some way for not doing what he asked. But he asked them why and this was their answer and You protected them.

Ex 1:20 So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied and became very mighty.
: 21 Because the midwives feared God He established households for them.

What struck me about this story the most was that these two women were an important part of Your overall plan for the destiny of the Israelites. You use everyday people. What courage You are able to impart to those who reverence Your name. To stand before the highest authority of the country and to maintain faithfulness to You in these circumstances is amazing. You do supply the courage in the moment of need.

Also, in thinking of our daily walk, this impresses one of the importance of hearing Your voice and obeying, because we certainly cannot see the overall effect of that obedience and how it plays in the work You are doing in this world.

Shiphrah and Pua were courageous, and so You Father who has given us the King of all Kings, are able to do in us what we are called to do also.

Rest

In thinking of what it means to walk more deeply with You, You reminded me once again Father that it is not about trying to do better, to think of ways to do good toward others. There are so many “things” we sometimes think we “should” be doing or changes we need to make in our ways or our attitudes or thinking.

But You, my Faithful Father, reminded me that it is not about trying all the time.

This life is about Your Holy Spirit, Your Holy Presence within us, guiding our thoughts, our steps, and our actions. You know what is in the heart of all men. As we live our lives before you, You are very much aware of those around us who need a touch from You, who are suffering in their soul, who do not know how deeply you love them and how You desire to bless them.

And You being a merciful God, a loving Savior, and a helping and comforting Spirit within us, will guide us.....today.

Your Presence is rest.
I love You Father.