Shiphrah is one of the lesser-known figures in the Bible, yet her story serves as a powerful testament to courage, faith, and the pursuit of justice in the face of oppression. Though her name appears only briefly in the narrative of the Exodus, her actions are pivotal in the broader story of God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This article aims to explore who Shiphrah is, her role in the biblical account, the significance of her actions, and the lessons her story imparts to modern believers. Through examining Shiphrah’s courage and faithfulness, we gain valuable insights into the importance of standing up for righteousness and fearing God above all.
The Biblical Context of Shiphrah’s Story
The story of Shiphrah is set in the book of Exodus, which chronicles the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt and their subsequent liberation under the leadership of Moses. The opening chapters of Exodus describe the dire situation in which the Israelites find themselves. After Joseph and his generation had passed away, a new Pharaoh came to power in Egypt who “did not know Joseph” (Exodus 1:8). This Pharaoh, fearing the growing number of Israelites, subjected them to harsh slavery, commanding that they build cities and perform laborious tasks for the Egyptians.
In an effort to suppress the Israelite population, Pharaoh devised a plan to kill all male Hebrew infants at birth. This cruel edict was delivered to the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, who were tasked with delivering the babies of the Israelite women.
Shiphrah: The Hebrew Midwife Who Defied Pharaoh
Shiphrah’s role in the Exodus narrative is brief but immensely significant. In Exodus 1:15–21, Pharaoh commands Shiphrah and Puah, the two Hebrew midwives, to kill every male Hebrew child at birth. Instead of complying with this brutal order, the midwives show remarkable courage and disobedience to Pharaoh’s decree.”The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, ‘When you help the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.'” (Exodus 1:15–16, NIV)
Despite the grave consequences they could face, Shiphrah and Puah defy the king’s command. The text tells us that they feared God more than they feared the king, which led them to choose life over death.”The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live.” (Exodus 1:17, NIV)
Pharaoh, realizing that his order had not been obeyed, summoned the midwives and demanded an explanation. They responded with a clever and truthful, yet tactful, statement:”Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive.” (Exodus 1:19, NIV)
This response protected them from Pharaoh’s wrath, and ultimately, God blessed their actions. The Bible records that “because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own” (Exodus 1:21, NIV).
Theological Significance of Shiphrah’s Actions
Shiphrah’s defiance of Pharaoh and her commitment to protecting innocent life under the most dangerous circumstances can be seen as a profound act of faith and courage. Her actions underscore several key theological themes that are crucial for understanding her role in the Bible.
1. Fear of God over Fear of Man
One of the most striking aspects of Shiphrah’s character is her fear of God rather than the fear of Pharaoh. The Bible consistently teaches that the “fear of the Lord” is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). In Shiphrah’s case, her reverence for God’s authority outweighed her fear of a tyrannical ruler, which led her to act with integrity in the face of an unjust law.
Her fear of God signifies a deep sense of moral responsibility that transcends human authority. By choosing to disobey Pharaoh’s decree, Shiphrah chose life for the Hebrew children, aligning her actions with God’s will for the preservation of life. Her example serves as a reminder to believers that God’s law should always take precedence over earthly powers, especially when those powers command what is unjust.
2. Courage in the Face of Persecution
Shiphrah’s act of defiance is also a powerful example of courage. Midwives in ancient times were in a vulnerable position, especially when ordered to carry out such a deadly command. They were trusted with the lives of both mothers and children, and their actions were typically beyond scrutiny. For Shiphrah and Puah to openly defy the king’s order required not only a profound faith in God but also a willingness to risk their own lives.
In a world that often encourages conformity, Shiphrah’s refusal to bow to Pharaoh is a powerful reminder to Christians that standing up for righteousness may come with great cost. Jesus himself said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Shiphrah’s courage to uphold the sanctity of life in the face of oppression exemplifies what it means to follow God, even at personal risk.
3. God’s Sovereignty and Blessing of Obedience
Another important aspect of Shiphrah’s story is the way in which God rewarded her faithfulness. Despite her risk, the Bible clearly states that God blessed her and Puah for their disobedience to Pharaoh. “Because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own” (Exodus 1:21, NIV). This divine blessing not only affirms the righteousness of their actions but also illustrates the broader biblical principle that God rewards those who stand for truth, justice, and life.
Shiphrah’s story shows that God’s sovereignty transcends the power of earthly rulers. Pharaoh’s command was ultimately powerless against God’s will, and God used Shiphrah and Puah as instruments of his deliverance. Through their courageous actions, God ensured that His plan for the Israelites’ liberation from Egypt remained intact.
4. The Preservation of Life as a Biblical Principle
The decision to spare the Hebrew male children was not just an act of defiance; it was an affirmation of the biblical principle that life is sacred. In the Old Testament, God is depicted as the Creator and Sustainer of life, and human life is regarded as a precious gift. Shiphrah’s refusal to carry out Pharaoh’s command reflects the deeply rooted biblical conviction that life should be preserved and protected.
This principle is carried forward in the teachings of the New Testament, where Jesus came to give life abundantly (John 10:10), and believers are called to love and protect others. The decision of Shiphrah and Puah to protect life points to the divine desire to bring life, not death, to the world.
Shiphrah’s Legacy and Lessons for Today
Although Shiphrah is a relatively obscure figure in the Bible, her actions have profound implications for believers today. Her story speaks not only to women but to all who seek to follow God with courage and integrity in an often hostile world. The lessons of her life are applicable across various aspects of the Christian walk.
1. Standing Up for Justice
Shiphrah’s bold defiance of injustice is an example for all believers to stand up against systems that devalue human life, freedom, and dignity. In our modern context, this may include standing against abortion, human trafficking, racial injustice, or any other form of oppression that contradicts God’s command to love our neighbor. Like Shiphrah, Christians are called to take action in the face of injustice, even when it is not popular or easy.
2. Courage in the Midst of Fear
Shiphrah’s example teaches Christians that courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act despite it. In today’s world, where societal pressures often demand conformity, Shiphrah’s refusal to compromise on her values is a powerful reminder that standing firm in faith requires bravery. Christians today can draw strength from Shiphrah’s story as they face personal or public challenges to their beliefs.
3. Trusting God’s Provision
Just as Shiphrah trusted in God’s protection when she defied Pharaoh, Christians are called to trust that God will provide for them when they step out in faith. Shiphrah’s story demonstrates that God sees the righteous and will reward those who honor Him. This can serve as encouragement for believers who are hesitant to speak out for justice or live out their convictions due to fear of consequences.
Conclusion
While Shiphrah may not be as well-known as figures like Moses or Miriam, her story in the book of Exodus stands as a testament to the power of faith, courage, and the fear of God. Her refusal to obey Pharaoh’s wicked command to kill the Hebrew male infants preserved countless lives and allowed God’s plan for the deliverance of Israel to continue. Shiphrah’s legacy is one of faithfulness to God, even when faced with personal danger. As believers today, we are called to emulate her courage and stand up for justice, fearing God above all else.
Shiphrah’s story reminds us that sometimes the smallest acts of faith can have the most significant impact. It calls us to reflect on our own lives and ask whether we are willing to act courageously and honor God in the face of pressure, fear, or oppression.
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