Exodus 1:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 1:15
15 And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah:
Chapter Context
Exodus 1 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, judgment, mercy. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 1:15
15 And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah:
Analysis
And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah (שִׁפְרָה וּפוּעָה, Shifrah uFu'ah)—Pharaoh's genocidal escalation targets male infants. Shiphrah (שִׁפְרָה, "beauty/splendor") and Puah (פּוּעָה, possibly "splendid" or related to a birth cry) are named, honoring their courage. Whether these are two individuals supervising many midwives or representing the Hebrew midwifery guild, their names are preserved in Scripture while Pharaoh remains anonymous—a reversal of worldly honor. God remembers the faithful by name (v. 21). This begins the Exodus theme of women as deliverers (Miriam, Jochebed, Pharaoh's daughter, Zipporah).
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern midwives were respected professionals. That Pharaoh approaches Hebrew midwives suggests either Egyptian midwives refused the order or that Hebrew women birthed so quickly that only Hebrew midwives attended (v. 19). The personal names indicate historical reminiscence, not fictional narrative.
Reflection
- How does God's honoring of Shiphrah and Puah encourage you when faithfulness seems unnoticed by the world?
- In what ways are you called to resist unjust commands, even at personal risk?