The term "birthstool" appears in the context of childbirth in the Bible, specifically in the book of Exodus. The birthstool is understood to be a seat or support used by Hebrew women during labor and delivery. This tool 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" .

The birthstool, in this context, is a significant element in the narrative of the Israelites' oppression in Egypt. It symbolizes the Pharaoh's attempt to control the population of the Hebrews by targeting male infants. The midwives, however, feared God and did not follow the king's command, allowing the boys to live. This act of defiance is a testament to their faith and reverence for God, as well as their courage in the face of tyranny.

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the birthstool was a common tool used to assist women during childbirth. It typically consisted of a seat with an opening, allowing the midwife to assist the mother more effectively. The use of a birthstool was believed to facilitate a more natural and efficient delivery process.

Theologically, the mention of the birthstool in Exodus highlights the sanctity of life and the moral courage required to protect it. The midwives' actions demonstrate a profound respect for God's creation and His commandments, prioritizing divine law over human edicts. This narrative underscores the theme of God's providence and protection over His people, even in the midst of oppression and adversity.

The birthstool, therefore, is not merely a physical object but a symbol of the struggle between life and death, obedience to God versus obedience to man, and the faithfulness of God's people in preserving His covenant promises.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)
... the birth-stool was similarly double. See STOOL. Multi-Version Concordance
Birthstool (1 Occurrence). Exodus 1:16 and he said, When ...
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Births (34 Occurrences)

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Midwife (4 Occurrences)
... From this passage it appears that they used a certain double-round form of birthstool
called 'obhnayim, concerning which there are several rabbinical comments. ...
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Birth-stool (1 Occurrence)
Birth-stool. Birthstool, Birth-stool. Birzaith . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BIRTH-STOOL. ... (ASV). Birthstool, Birth-stool. Birzaith . Reference Bible
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