Articles / Class Lessons
“A Testimony of Faith”
Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, “When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.” But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live. So the king of Egypt called the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and let the male children live?” The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.” So God dealt well with the midwives. And the people multiplied and grew very strong. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families. Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.”
Exodus 1.15-22 ESV
TODAY’S READING: Exodus 1-3
In today's text we read of the great faith and trust of two midwives, Shiphrah and Puah. When commanded by Pharaoh to kill baby Hebrew boys as they were born, they refused. Their decision placed them under tremendous pressure. Pharaoh could very well have imprisoned them or even killed them. But because they took the initiative and stood up for what was right, God was with them. We know nothing else about these two women, but it is noteworthy that God chose to have their names recorded in His word as a testimony of faith. What an honor! While no one else may have been aware of their actions, God was. Great moments of faith often come inside moments of tremendous difficulty. If you find yourself in the midst of a stressful and challenging situation, don't let the pressure cause you to cave. Your choosing to stand may feel anything but comfortable. Just know that God is with you all the way. He will hold you up. He will be your strength. He will protect you along the way. I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me," Hebrews 13.5-6.
