Lesson 1: Oppression – The Background and the Birth of Moses

1.3 The Hebrew Midwives
Courage for the Truth: Faithful Women Against the King’s Command

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Introduction

There are moments in history when faith becomes visible not through words, but through courageous actions. Moments when ordinary people – mostly unnoticed by the world – touch the heart of God because they refuse to serve evil. The story of the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, belongs to such sacred moments.

In the first chapter of Exodus, we see the shadow of oppression falling over the people of Israel. The Pharaoh’s fear grows as the people of God multiply – and fear turns into hatred, and hatred into murder. Yet right in the middle of this scenario of political violence, religious arrogance, and systematic destruction, two women act differently. Not because they are powerful – but because they fear God and obey Him more than men.

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Bible Study: Exodus 1:9–21

The text describes the increasing persecution of the Israelites by Pharaoh. When forced labor fails to suppress the growing people, he orders the Hebrew midwives to kill all male newborns at birth.

Who are Shiphrah and Puah?
Two ordinary women. No royal status. No theological training.
But they knew God – or rather: they feared Him.

They stand in sharp contrast to the nameless Pharaoh who considers himself divine, yet is remembered as a dark, faceless shadow in history.

“But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them.”
– Exodus 1:17

What did they do?
They disobeyed the command – with courageous wisdom.
They acted out of accountability to God – not to a regime that claimed divine authority.

And God? He blessed them – with descendants, with honor, with an everlasting memory in the Holy Scriptures.

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Answers to the Questions

Question 1: Read Exodus 1:9–21. What key role did the faithful midwives play, and why are they remembered in biblical history?

The midwives saved lives when Pharaoh commanded death. They followed God even when it was dangerous. They resisted a godless culture that justified the killing of innocent children as politically necessary.

They are part of biblical memory because their obedience marked the beginning of deliverance. Without them – no Moses, no Exodus, no salvation from Egypt. Their courage was the first crack in Pharaoh’s claim to power.

Question 2: The midwives didn’t just know what was right – they did it. What is the obvious message for us?

It’s not enough to recognize God’s will – we must also follow it.

In a time when ethical compromise is the norm, God calls us to obey Him not just with our hearts, but with our whole lives. Courageous obedience may come at a cost – but God sees it, blesses it, and uses it to write history.

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Spiritual Principles

• God uses the unseen for visible miracles.

• The fear of God protects from the fear of people.

• True obedience is revealed not in comfortable times, but under pressure.

• Resistance to evil is an act of worship.

• Your “no” to sin may be a “yes” to the salvation of many.

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Application for Daily Life

• In the family: Teach your children that truth is more important than comfort.

• At work: Follow your conscience, even if it costs you.

• In society: Be willing to stand for life, truth, and God’s honor – even if you stand alone.

• In faith: Stay faithful, even when you don’t feel God’s presence – He sees you.

• In crisis: Know this – sometimes God writes history through small decisions made by faithful people.

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Conclusion

Two women, one empire, one divine plan.
The story of Shiphrah and Puah shows us: you don’t need to be a prophet to do God’s will.
It’s enough to fear Him – and obey.

Their story is a monument of faith:
Simple. Courageous. Unforgettable.

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Thought of the Day

“Whoever fears God more than man will shape history – even if they never realize it themselves.”

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Illustration – “Miriam’s Decision”

Miriam was a nurse in the maternity ward of a major Western hospital. The clinic was modern, the routine efficient. Every day she saw new life begin – but also decisions she found hard to bear.

One Tuesday morning, wearing her plain white coat, she entered the delivery room as usual. It was the 38th week of a high-risk pregnancy. The child was expected to be healthy – but after a late ultrasound, the family had changed their mind.
“Not viable enough,” the doctor whispered.
“It’s our right,” the mother said firmly.

Miriam stood frozen. She knew the numbers, the diagnoses, the protocols. She knew the forms, the language of ethics boards. But something inside her screamed: “This is wrong.”

She had felt it before – but this time she couldn’t look away.

She prayed silently:
“Lord, give me courage. Show me what’s right – and help me do it.”

Then she spoke. Calm. Clear. Resolute:
“I cannot assist in this procedure. My conscience won’t allow it.”

Silence. Cold stares. The head doctor stepped forward.
“Miriam, this is your duty. It’s legal. If you don’t cooperate, you’re at risk.”

She nodded. “I know. But I don’t just answer to protocol – I answer to God.”

She was reassigned. Later came a disciplinary hearing. Some colleagues avoided her. But in her heart, there was peace – deeper than the world’s applause.

A year later: same clinic. A young mother in tears. She had seen Miriam that day – though Miriam didn’t know it.
Now, with her newborn in her arms, she said:
“I thought I was doing the right thing back then. But your courage changed me. I kept my child. Thank you.”

Miriam swallowed. And smiled. Not because she was admired –
But because she knew:

Obedience bears fruit. And God never forgets a faithful servant.