The term "birth-stool" appears in the context of childbirth in the Bible, specifically in the book of Exodus. The birth-stool is a device or structure used by women during labor to facilitate the birthing process. It is mentioned in Exodus 1:16, where Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, instructs the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, regarding the birth of Hebrew children: "When you help the Hebrew women give birth, observe them as they deliver. If the child is a son, kill him; but if it is a daughter, let her live" .

In ancient times, the birth-stool was likely a simple structure, possibly consisting of two stones or a chair with an opening, designed to support a woman in a squatting or semi-sitting position during labor. This position was believed to aid in the natural process of childbirth by utilizing gravity to assist in the delivery of the baby.

The use of a birth-stool reflects the practices and customs of ancient Near Eastern cultures, where midwives played a crucial role in assisting women during childbirth. The midwives' role was not only to provide physical support but also to offer emotional and spiritual encouragement, often invoking God's presence and blessing during the birthing process.

The account of the Hebrew midwives in Exodus highlights their faithfulness and fear of God, as they defied Pharaoh's orders and preserved the lives of the male Hebrew infants. This act of civil disobedience is significant in the biblical narrative, demonstrating the midwives' reverence for God over the edicts of a human ruler. Their actions are commended in Exodus 1:20-21: "So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied and became even more numerous. And because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own" .

The birth-stool, therefore, is not only a physical object but also a symbol of the courage and faith of those who served God in the face of oppression. It serves as a reminder of the sanctity of life and the importance of obedience to God's commandments, even when faced with difficult and dangerous circumstances.BIRTH-STOOL

burth'-stool: Found only in Exodus 1:16, in connection with Hebrew women in Egypt when oppressed by Pharaoh. The Hebrew ('obhnayim) here rendered "birth-stool" is used in Jeremiah 18:3, and is there rendered "potter's wheel." The word is used in both places in the dual form, which points, no doubt, to the fact that the potter's wheel was composed of two discs, and suggests that the birth-stool was similarly double.

See STOOL.

70. oben -- a wheel, disk
... 69, 70. oben. 71 . a wheel, disk. Transliteration: oben Phonetic Spelling:
(o'ben) Short Definition: birthstool. Word Origin from ...
/hebrew/70.htm - 6kBirthstool (1 Occurrence)
...Birthstool (1 Occurrence). Exodus 1:16 and he said, When ye do the office of a midwife
to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the birth-stool; if it be a son ...
/b/birthstool.htm - 7k

Birth-stool (1 Occurrence)
Birth-stool. Birthstool, Birth-stool. Birzaith . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BIRTH-STOOL. ... (ASV). Birthstool, Birth-stool. Birzaith . Reference Bible
/b/birth-stool.htm - 7k

Midwife (4 Occurrences)
... it appears that they used a certain double-round form of birthstool called 'obhnayim ...
of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstool; if it is ...
/m/midwife.htm - 10k

Stool (6 Occurrences)
... in the King James Version as "stool" (kicce') is in the Revised Version (British
and American) more correctly translated "seat." See also BIRTH-STOOL; SEAT. ...
/s/stool.htm - 9k

Births (34 Occurrences)

/b/births.htm - 17k

Delivery (8 Occurrences)
... Exodus 1:16 and he said, "When you perform the duty of a midwife to the Hebrew women,
and see them on the birthstool; if it is a son, then you shall kill him ...
/d/delivery.htm - 9k

Birzaith (1 Occurrence)

/b/birzaith.htm - 7k

Helping (35 Occurrences)
... Exodus 1:16 and he said, "When you perform the duty of a midwife to the Hebrew women,
and see them on the birthstool; if it is a son, then you shall kill him ...
/h/helping.htm - 17k

Girl (71 Occurrences)
... Exodus 1:16 and he said, "When you perform the duty of a midwife to the Hebrew women,
and see them on the birthstool; if it is a son, then you shall kill him ...
/g/girl.htm - 28k

Perform (155 Occurrences)
... Exodus 1:16 and he said, "When you perform the duty of a midwife to the Hebrew women,
and see them on the birthstool; if it is a son, then you shall kill him ...
/p/perform.htm - 41k

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