Puah is one of the unsung heroines of the Bible, a woman whose story is told in only a few verses in the book of Exodus. Yet, her courage and faith make her an important figure in God’s narrative of deliverance and justice for the Israelites. Though her name appears briefly, Puah’s role as a Hebrew midwife who defied the tyrannical orders of Pharaoh speaks volumes about God’s call to act righteously in the face of oppression.
In this article, we will examine Puah’s role in the biblical account, the significance of her actions, the theological principles that emerge from her story, and the lessons that modern Christians can learn from her life. Through understanding Puah’s courage, faith, and obedience to God, we discover powerful truths about standing for what is right in the midst of adversity.
The Biblical Context of Puah’s Story
Puah’s story is primarily found in the opening chapters of the book of Exodus, which describe the Israelite people’s harsh slavery in Egypt. The Israelites had been in Egypt for several generations, and while their forefather Joseph had been a prominent figure, the new Pharaoh who came to power “did not know Joseph” (Exodus 1:8). As a result, the Israelites were oppressed, and Pharaoh imposed cruel labor upon them.
The oppression took a more sinister turn when Pharaoh, fearing the growing number of Israelites, ordered that all male Hebrew babies be killed at birth. The command was given to the Hebrew midwives, two women named Shiphrah and Puah, who were responsible for helping the Israelite women give birth.
Puah: The Hebrew Midwife Who Defied Pharaoh
In Exodus 1:15-21, Pharaoh’s orders to the Hebrew midwives were clear: they were to kill every male child born to the Israelite women. This was a horrific decree designed to curb the growth of the Hebrew population by eliminating their male heirs. Pharaoh’s orders were a cruel attempt to prevent the Israelites from becoming a powerful threat to Egypt’s dominance. “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)
In this context, Puah and Shiphrah stood as the very first line of defense against Pharaoh’s evil plot. They were tasked with preserving the lives of newborns, a responsibility that put them in direct conflict with the most powerful ruler in the ancient world. The stakes were incredibly high—should they defy Pharaoh, they risked not only their lives but also the lives of their families.
Despite the danger, Puah, alongside Shiphrah, chose to obey God rather than man, and they refused to carry out Pharaoh’s orders. Instead of killing the male children, they allowed them to live, honoring the sanctity of life and defying an unjust, immoral decree. “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)
When Pharaoh discovered that the Hebrew male infants were still alive, he summoned the midwives and demanded an explanation. In their response, Puah and Shiphrah showed wisdom, courage, and integrity. They told Pharaoh that Hebrew women were vigorous and gave birth before the midwives could arrive, a clever and honest way of explaining why they had not followed the king’s orders. “Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive.” (Exodus 1:19, NIV)
This strategic response not only protected them from Pharaoh’s wrath but also allowed them to continue to save the lives of Israelite children. Ultimately, because of their disobedience to Pharaoh and their reverence for God, the Bible tells us that God blessed Puah and Shiphrah, granting them families of their own (Exodus 1:21).
Theological Significance of Puah’s Actions
While Puah’s story is told in a few verses, her actions hold great theological significance. She demonstrated key principles of courage, faith, and obedience that have deep meaning for Christians today.
1. The Fear of God over the Fear of Man
One of the most striking aspects of Puah’s story is her fear of God rather than her fear of Pharaoh. In the Bible, the “fear of the Lord” is presented as a foundational virtue. It is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), and it leads to the pursuit of righteousness and justice. Puah’s refusal to obey Pharaoh’s order to kill the male Hebrew children reveals that her reverence for God’s authority was far greater than her fear of Pharaoh’s earthly power.
Puah’s choice to act according to God’s will rather than Pharaoh’s decree was an act of moral courage. She recognized that obedience to God takes precedence over obedience to any earthly authority, especially when that authority commands actions contrary to God’s values. Her decision serves as a reminder to Christians today that we, too, are called to honor God above all else, even when it means standing up against unjust laws or oppressive systems.
2. Courage in the Face of Adversity
Puah, alongside Shiphrah, faced a tremendous moral dilemma. Pharaoh’s command was both cruel and unjust, and it would have been easy for the midwives to comply with the king’s orders, especially given the power imbalance. However, Puah’s courage was evident in her refusal to compromise on her principles, even when it was a matter of life and death.
In a world that often pressures individuals to conform, Puah’s example challenges us to stand firm in our beliefs, even when the consequences may be severe. Her courage in the face of danger reminds Christians that righteousness often requires us to take bold action, even in the face of persecution, ridicule, or threat.
3. God’s Reward for Obedience
The Bible clearly states that God rewarded Puah and Shiphrah for their courage and obedience. “Because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own” (Exodus 1:21, NIV). This divine blessing affirms the biblical principle that God rewards those who fear Him and act justly.
This reward is not always material or immediate, but the Bible teaches that those who remain faithful to God’s will will ultimately experience His blessings. Puah’s story serves as a reminder that God honors those who choose to obey Him, even when doing so requires sacrifice. Whether in this life or the next, God’s reward is promised to those who stand for what is right.
4. The Sanctity of Life
The refusal of Puah and Shiphrah to carry out Pharaoh’s command highlights the biblical principle of the sanctity of human life. From the very beginning of Scripture, life is presented as a sacred gift from God. In Genesis 1:27, God creates humanity in His own image, and throughout the Bible, human life is valued and protected.
By choosing to preserve the lives of the Hebrew male infants, Puah and Shiphrah affirmed God’s view of life as precious. Their actions reflect God’s heart for the vulnerable, the oppressed, and the powerless. In today’s world, where issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and violence against the innocent are prevalent, Puah’s refusal to take innocent life stands as a timeless example of honoring the sanctity of life.
Puah’s Legacy and Lessons for Today
Although Puah is not a well-known biblical figure, her legacy endures through her faith, courage, and willingness to stand up for justice. Her story offers several important lessons for Christians today.
1. Standing for Justice and Life
Puah’s refusal to obey Pharaoh’s evil command speaks to the broader issue of standing up for justice. Her actions remind Christians that we must be willing to confront injustice, even when it is inconvenient or dangerous. This may include standing against systemic oppression, advocating for the vulnerable, or speaking out against laws that undermine the sanctity of life. Puah’s example encourages us to be bold in our commitment to justice and righteousness, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
2. Acting in Faith and Obedience
Puah’s story also teaches the importance of acting in faith and obedience to God, even when the outcome is uncertain. She did not know how Pharaoh would respond to her disobedience, but she trusted that God would honor her commitment to preserving life. For Christians today, this calls us to act according to God’s will, even when it may seem risky or unpopular, knowing that God sees our faithfulness and will reward it.
3. Courage in the Face of Persecution
In a culture that often pressures individuals to conform to secular values, Puah’s courage serves as a powerful reminder to believers that standing for God’s truth may come with personal cost. Her refusal to follow an unjust order demonstrates that courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act in accordance with God’s commands despite the risks.
4. Trusting God’s Sovereignty
Finally, Puah’s story reinforces the importance of trusting God’s sovereignty. Despite the threat posed by Pharaoh, Puah understood that God was ultimately in control of her destiny. Christians today are called to trust that God will provide, protect, and reward those who seek to do His will, no matter the challenges they face.
Conclusion
Puah may not have the same level of recognition as other biblical figures, but her role in the Exodus narrative is a profound testimony to the courage, faith, and righteousness that every Christian is called to embody. Through her story, we learn about the importance of standing firm for justice, protecting the sanctity of life, and obeying God, even when it involves difficult choices.
Puah’s life serves as an inspiration, reminding us that God honors those who choose to fear Him above all else and take courageous stands in the face of evil. Her example challenges us to live with integrity, to value life, and to act boldly on behalf of God’s purposes in the world.
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