Shiphrah and Puah

Ex. 1:15

The names Shiphrah and Puah rarely receive mention in sermons or writings. Not many would know them either. They were Hebrew midwives during the oppression of the Israelites in Egypt. As the Israelites were fruitful and prolific, they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong in Egypt. The land was literally filled with them (Ex. 1:7). The Egyptians became alarmed and afraid of them and they began to oppress them with forced labour. Not only this, the midwives were asked to kill all males during childbirth. But, Shiphrah and Puah “feared God” (Ex. 1:17) and did not do what they were asked to do by the king. For this, the LORD dealt well with the midwives “And because the midwives feared God, He gave them families” (Ex. 21). Because of these midwives, many Israelites were saved.

Shiphra and Puah were only briefly mentioned in the Bible, but their story encompasses a lot. While we could see God using powerful men and women to save His people – Joseph, Joshua, Samson, David, Solomon and others, we could also see God employing the seemingly insignificant and powerless to save His people – Rahab the prostitute, the four lepers, a young David, and Shiphra and Puah.

Till today, the LORD cares for His people. He has many great and popular leaders as well as faithful, yet unknown, seemingly insignificant and powerless people just like Shiphra and Puah.

Dear friend, in your service to the LORD, you may not be recognised by others; and your efforts may seem to be in vain and too little. But remember what Shiphra and Puah did. They managed to save God’s people in their own ways. We do not know how many, but we can assume that there must have been many lives saved; not that numbers really mattered to the LORD. Therefore, in your service, be perseverant because the LORD knows, and the LORD never leaves anyone behind.

Have you ever thought of the possibility that we are still blessed by the LORD because of such people, or are being saved from His wrath because of such unknown, yet faithful servants of the LORD? In times such as these, the LORD is never in want of people. He has people in strategic positions to serve Him and to do His will. How can we stand if we are all leaders? Just as the salvation of Israel was at the hands of Shiphra and Puah, the salvation of the people of God is in your hands today. It does not matter what you are or what you can do. It does not matter how much you can do. Just do your part and leave the rest to the LORD. He will deliver and bless you.