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Shiphrah and Puah are the midwives that disobeyed Pharaoh's order to kill all the sons born to Jews in Egypt. As noted by Rabbi Telushkin, these women may have committed the first recorded acts of Civil Disobedience. He further notes that the Torah provides the names of these two courageous women, and not the name of the Pharaoh whose murderous order was ignored.
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What were the names of Jethro's seven daughters?
In the Book of Exodus, Jethro's seven daughters are named Zipporah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, Noah, Mahlah, and Shiphrah. Jethro, also known as Reuel, was a Midianite priest and the father-in-law of Moses. These names are significant in the biblical narrative as they played a role in the story of Moses and his journey to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
How many baby boys were killed when Pharaoh was trying to kill baby Moses?
Egypt occupies a very large territory and any instruction to kill Hebrew babies would have to have been put in writing and distributed throughout the land, but no such written instruction has ever actually been found in Egypt, and in fact there is no record that even hints of the presence of the Israelites there, so we must rely on the biblical account. The Bible says that the pharaoh ordered all the new-born Israelite boys to be cast into the river. Since Moses lived to be 120 years old, he must have already been 80 years old when he led the Israelites out of Egypt. And we know that the Bible attributes his survival to the pharaohs daughter. This passage implicitly assures us that, apart from Moses, there could scarcely have been any Israelite males under eighty years old, although other passages do seem to contradict this.
How did shiphrah and puah become midwives?
They were appointed by Pharaoh.
Who were the Hebrew midwives?
They were the women who helped the Hebrew mothers during childbirth. It's from the Bible in Exodus; Exodus 1:15 and following. Their names were Shiphrah and Puah.
Who was puah in The Bible?
Puah was one of two named midwives of the Hebrews in Egypt. The midwives were ordered by the king of Egypt (Pharoah) to kill all the male infants of the Hebrews at birth. Puah and her colleague Shiphrah defied this command through trickery by saying that the Hebrew women are literally "beasts" (NRSV, "vigorous") who give birth before the midwives can get to them. She is credited for saving Israel by her courage. The king apparently believes her story because he does not punish them. She and Shiphrah are blessed by God with families of their own. This story can be found in Exodus 1:15-21.
Why didn't Shiphrah and Puah obey Pharaoh?
Shiphrah and Puah, the Hebrew midwives, did not obey Pharaoh's decree to kill newborn Hebrew boys because they feared God more than the king. Their moral conviction and commitment to preserving life outweighed their obligation to follow orders that contradicted their ethical beliefs. By defying Pharaoh, they demonstrated courage and integrity, ultimately contributing to the survival of the Hebrew people. Their actions exemplify the importance of standing up against unjust authority.
What role did midwives play in the Exodus story from the Bible?
In the Exodus story from the Bible, midwives played a crucial role in saving the Hebrew baby boys from Pharaoh's decree to kill them. The midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, defied Pharaoh's orders and allowed the babies to live, showing courage and compassion in protecting the innocent.
Who were the midwives in the time of moses?
They were Shifra and Puah, as recorded in the Torah (Exodus ch.2). Note that they weren't the only midwives. Rather, they were the most important and experienced, and served as mentors to the others who aren't named.
What does the name puah mean?
The name Puah has Hebrew origins and means "a cry of joy" or "to shout." In the Bible, Puah is one of the midwives mentioned in the Book of Exodus who defied Pharaoh's orders to kill Hebrew newborns. The name is often associated with themes of courage, deliverance, and the protection of life.
How do you pronounce shiphrah?
The name "Shiphrah" is typically pronounced as "SHIF-rah," with the emphasis on the first syllable. The "sh" sounds like in "shoe," the "i" is pronounced like the "i" in "if," and the "rah" is pronounced like the "ra" in "rah-rah."
What were the Israelite midwives told to do?
The Israelite midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, were instructed by Pharaoh to kill all newborn Hebrew boys at birth to control the population of the Israelites. However, they feared God and disobeyed Pharaoh's orders, allowing the boys to live. When questioned by Pharaoh, they claimed that Hebrew women gave birth quickly before they could arrive. Their actions ultimately saved many lives and demonstrated their bravery and faithfulness.
Why isn't Pharaoh named in exodus one but the midwives are?
In Exodus 1, the Pharaoh is not named to emphasize the anonymity and universality of oppressive power, highlighting that such rulers can be any tyrant throughout history. In contrast, the midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, are named to celebrate their courage and resistance, showcasing individual morality and the importance of standing up against injustice. This narrative choice underscores the theme of liberation and the significant role of ordinary people in the struggle against oppression.
Who was Israel's judge for 23 years?
Judges 10:1-2 After Abimelech there arose... Tola the son of Puah, of the Tribe of Issachar; and he dwelt in...the hill-country of Ephraim. He judged Israel twenty-three years...See also:More about the Judges
Who are the first heroes in Exodus?
The midwives of the Hebrews, Shipharah and Puah. They refused to kill babies, and God blessed them.
