Shiphrah is one of the two Hebrew midwives mentioned in the Book of Exodus, who played a crucial role in the survival of the Israelite population during their bondage in Egypt. Her account is found in Exodus 1:15-21, where she is named alongside Puah as a midwife who defied the orders of the Egyptian Pharaoh.

Biblical Account

In the narrative, the Israelites had become numerous in Egypt, causing the new Pharaoh to fear their potential power. To curb their growth, Pharaoh commanded the Hebrew midwives to kill all newborn Hebrew boys at birth. Exodus 1:15-16 states, "Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, '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.'"

Despite this decree, Shiphrah and Puah feared God and chose to preserve the lives of the male infants. Their reverence for God and moral courage led them to disobey the king's command. When questioned by Pharaoh about their actions, they responded that the Hebrew women were vigorous and gave birth before the midwives could arrive (Exodus 1:19).

Divine Favor

The actions of Shiphrah and Puah did not go unnoticed by God. Exodus 1:20-21 records, "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." This passage highlights the divine favor bestowed upon them for their faithfulness and courage.

Significance

Shiphrah's account is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores the theme of fearing God over man, a recurring motif throughout the Scriptures. Her actions exemplify the moral courage required to stand against unjust human authority when it conflicts with divine principles. Secondly, Shiphrah's account is a testament to the role of women in God's redemptive history. Despite the patriarchal context of the time, her actions had a profound impact on the survival and growth of the Israelite nation.

Legacy

Shiphrah's legacy is one of faith, courage, and obedience to God. Her account serves as an inspiration for believers to act righteously, even in the face of oppressive circumstances. Her fear of God over the fear of man is a powerful example of living out one's faith with integrity and conviction. Through her actions, Shiphrah contributed to the unfolding of God's plan for His people, setting the stage for the eventual deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.Exodus 1:15
And the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah:
Nave's Topical Index

8236. Shiphrah -- "fairness," a Hebrew midwife
... 8235, 8236. Shiphrah. 8237 . "fairness," a Hebrew midwife. Transliteration:
Shiphrah Phonetic Spelling: (shif-raw') Short Definition: Shiphrah. ...
/hebrew/8236.htm - 6kShould the Hebrew midwives be commended for lying? | GotQuestions.org

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