Meaning of Exodus 1:15

This verse introduces a pivotal moment in the oppression of the Israelites in Egypt, marking the beginning of a direct and insidious plot against their very existence. Pharaoh, fearing the burgeoning population of the enslaved Hebrews and their potential to outnumber and overpower the Egyptians, shifts from general enslavement to a specific genocidal strategy targeting newborn males. The mention of the midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, by name signifies their critical role in this unfolding drama, hinting at their agency and the moral imperative that will soon be placed upon them. Their identification by name elevates them from anonymous figures to individuals with discernible identities and responsibilities within the narrative, foreshadowing their courageous defiance.

Context and Background

Following the death of Joseph and the subsequent rise of a new Pharaoh "who did not know Joseph" (Exodus 1:8), the Israelites, or Hebrews, were subjected to increasingly brutal enslavement. Their population continued to grow, which, instead of being seen as a blessing, became a source of fear for the Egyptians. This fear escalated into a policy of systematic oppression, beginning with forced labor and culminating in the decree to kill all Hebrew male infants. The midwives were the first line of defense, the gatekeepers of birth, and thus the immediate targets of Pharaoh's cruel decree.

Key Themes and Messages

• Fear and Oppression: Pharaoh's actions are driven by a primal fear of the "other" and a desire to maintain power through oppressive means. This highlights the destructive nature of unchecked fear and the lengths to which those in power will go to suppress perceived threats.
• Divine Providence: Despite the dire circumstances, the narrative subtly points to God's overarching plan. The "more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread" (Exodus 1:12) demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even in the face of intense persecution.
• Moral Courage and Integrity: The naming of Shiphrah and Puah anticipates their defiance of Pharaoh's command. It introduces the theme of individuals choosing to obey God rather than human authority when faced with an immoral decree.
• The Value of Life: Pharaoh's decree is an assault on innocent life, specifically targeting males who would carry on the lineage and future of the Israelite people. The midwives' potential actions will stand in stark contrast to this devaluation of life.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This passage underscores the constant tension between human authority and divine law. It calls believers to examine where their ultimate allegiance lies. When human commands conflict with God's righteousness, as they will for Shiphrah and Puah, there is a moral imperative to prioritize obedience to God. The story of the midwives serves as an early example of faith in action, demonstrating that even ordinary individuals in ordinary professions can play extraordinary roles in God's redemptive plan. It teaches that faithfulness is often tested in the crucible of difficult choices, and courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act despite it.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Exodus 1:15 is the prologue to one of the most significant narratives in the Old Testament: the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage. The oppression described here sets the stage for God's intervention through Moses, the plagues, the exodus, and the establishment of the covenant at Mount Sinai. The faithfulness of Shiphrah and Puah prefigures the faithfulness of Moses and, by extension, the faithfulness of God to His people throughout their history. This episode also introduces the theme of God using the seemingly powerless and the marginalized to achieve His purposes, a theme that recurs throughout Scripture, from Deborah the judge to the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth.

Analogies

One analogy for the midwives' position is that of nurses or doctors today who, in extremis, might face ethical dilemmas where human laws or directives clash with their professional oaths or deeply held moral convictions. Another analogy could be found in the early Christian martyrs who faced persecution from Roman authorities; they, like the midwives, chose to obey God rather than Caesar when their faith demanded it. The midwives were at the very threshold of life, tasked with facilitating it, but were instead commanded to extinguish it, highlighting the profound moral inversion of Pharaoh's decree.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 1:17: "But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live." This verse immediately clarifies the midwives' actions and their motivation, directly linking their obedience to their fear of God.
• 1 Samuel 2:2: "There is none holy like the LORD; there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God." Hannah's prayer echoes the sentiment of the midwives, recognizing God as the ultimate authority and source of holiness.
• Acts 5:29: "Peter and the other apostles replied: 'We must obey God rather than human beings!'" This New Testament verse directly quotes and applies the principle demonstrated by Shiphrah and Puah, showing the enduring theological significance of their actions.
• Daniel 3: The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refused to bow to the king's idol, is another parallel where individuals prioritize obedience to God over royal decree, demonstrating the consistent biblical theme of faithfulness under duress.