“Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph…” (Exodus 1:8)
A shift in leadership marked a turning point for the Israelites in Egypt. As the Hebrews multiplied, Pharaoh saw their growth as a threat, fearing they might join Egypt’s enemies in the event of war (Ex. 1:10). His solution was strategic oppression—specifically targeting the process of birth itself.
He summoned two Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, instructing them to kill all male Hebrew infants at birth (Ex. 1:15–16). However, these women feared God and defied Pharaoh’s command, allowing the boys to live (v. 17). As a result, God blessed them, and the people continued to multiply (v. 20–21).
Opposition Often Precedes God’s Purpose
When the hour of divine change arrives, God often allows supernatural forces to rise—typically in the face of opposition. At the same time, He raises gatekeepers—intercessors, nurturers, and spiritual midwives—to stand against the forces of darkness so that His purposes can be birthed.
Egypt, once a place of provision, had become a womb of confinement. Furthermore, the Hebrew word for Egypt is Mitsrayim, which means bondage or distress. Scripture went on to liken Egypt to an iron furnace:
But the Lord has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be His people, an inheritance, as you are this day. (Deut 4:20)
The principle of an iron furnace, a place that is used for melting raw metals and bringing them to a purified state, was now being applied to Israel nationally, and for the greater purposes of the Almighty.
It was within this tension that the battle between the God of Israel and the gods of Egypt played out—not only on a national scale but also in the birthing chambers of Hebrew women, becoming a critical place of battle between two nations and, moreover, two spiritual kingdoms, with the greater force—Jehovah El Gibbor—showing Himself to be stronger and greater than the Egyptian deities that sought to oppose Him.
The Meaning Behind the Names
The names of the Hebrew midwives also carry prophetic significance:
- Shiphrah derives from the Hebrew root “meshaperet”—to beautify, swaddle, or clean. She represents preparation, cleansing, and covering.
- Puah comes from the Hebrew “po’ah”, meaning to cry, coo, or groan. She embodies comfort, empathy, and a soothing presence.
These names point to the balanced roles required in spiritual birthing: one to clean the wounds from the past, and another to soothe through the trials of growth. Together, they symbolise the dual aspects of nurturing Kingdom sons and daughters into maturity.
God’s Partners in Creation
The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:19) tells us that Shiphrah and Puah were not just midwives—they became partners with God in creation. Before each birth, they prayed for safe delivery, for the health of the mother and child, and for God’s presence in the process. They fought for God’s will, ensuring that the wombs carried the seed of divine promise.
The Birthstool: A Spiritual Symbol
In Exodus 1:16, the term used for birthstool is ‘ovnayim’, literally meaning “two stones”. This refers to an ancient birthing method, symbolised in Egyptian hieroglyphs and associated with supernatural protection through goddesses and magical objects. The Egyptians, deeply superstitious, could not believe the Hebrews were capable of birthing unaided in the way that “beasts of the field” were likely to do. This was another example of the contending spiritual views between the two societies, which was made even more fascinating when one examines the higher fertility rate shown by the Hebrew women.
This belief also underscored the status of midwives in Egyptian society, as Pharaoh’s direct interaction with Shiphrah and Puah highlights their perceived power and significance.
Jewish scholar Rashi notes that the Hebrew word for midwife in this passage is in the intensive form, suggesting not a passive observer but an active agent, especially in difficult births. Shiphrah and Puah did more than assist pregnant women; they accelerated the redemption and were instrumental in transforming Egypt from a place of bondage into a place of deliverance.
Reflection: What Has God Called You to Birth?
Having considered the points above, it should be noted by all that God is still raising spiritual midwives on the earth—persons equipped with the requisite dedication and passion and who will (males and females alike):
- Stand in the gap during spiritual crises,
- Prepare, cleanse, and comfort emerging leaders,
- Defy oppressive systems for the sake of divine destiny.
These points lead us to the inevitable question: What has God called you to birth in your generation? This question applies to males and females alike, who are equally capable of bringing forth God’s promises on the Earth.
Will you be a Shiphrah or a Puah in your generation, and be ready to live out the requirements attached to your calling?
May you diligently seek the LORD’s directive in answering this question.
Gordon M. Swaby is an engineer by profession and a Kingdom visionary.