«But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive» (Exodus 1:17).
The hard work and oppression did not weaken the Israelites, so Pharaoh planned to kill their baby boys as soon as they were born. To do this, he called on the supervisors of the midwives: Shiphrah and Puah. Besides helping during birth, a Hebrew midwife cared for the baby until the mother was strong enough to do so herself. So these midwives were responsible for the babies’ lives. Pharaoh made a miscalculation when he thought that he could count on the help of these God-fearing women. What bravery and what love for life they showed when they defied a royal decree that opposed God’s command for them to be preservers of life!
It seems that Shiphrah and Puah were Hebrew midwives. The Semitic origin of their names would indicate so, as would their fear of the true God. Shiphrah means «beauty» and Puah means «splendor.» What a wonderful combination of names for these two who became the redeemers of the baby boys of the Israelites.
Today, we need women who are unafraid to confront laws, bosses, and supervisors, when they oppose God’s commandments. Let us be women who will defend the preservation of life, who will defend and maintain that only God can give life or take it.
«The fear of men makes them victim of circumstances, but the fear of God brings rest in the midst of tumult and peace in the face of mortal danger.»—SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 499.
These women faced an ethical situation. They could have justified their conduct by saying that they were just following Pharaoh’s orders. In those times, disobedience to the head of state resulted in the death penalty. But they decided to be faithful to God and to their conscience. God does not expect us to disobey the laws of the state on a whim, or to be rebellious, but when such laws opposed His word, it is our Christian duty to be «as true as the needle to the pole.»—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, ch. 44, p. 505.
What challenge are you facing today? Have you ever had to decide between obeying God or your boss? I encourage you to prepare your heart to obey God’s precepts; it will help you to confront any ethical or difficult situation you may be facing today.
Your decision will be in defense of «Thus said the Lord.»
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
