This verse from Exodus 1:15 sets the stage for a crucial event in the story of the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt. Here's a breakdown of its meaning and significance:
"The king of Egypt": This refers to the pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt at the time. The specific pharaoh is not named, but his actions set in motion the events of Exodus.
"spoke to the Hebrew midwives": This indicates that the pharaoh held a conversation with the midwives who attended to the Hebrew women during childbirth. Midwives were vital figures in ensuring safe deliveries.
"of whom the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah": This part identifies two specific midwives by name: Shiphrah and Puah. The verse highlights these two individuals, suggesting that they played a significant role in the narrative that follows. It is implied that they were the leading or most prominent midwives in the Hebrew community.
Significance and Implications:
Authority and Oppression: The verse establishes that the pharaoh held power over the Hebrew people and was willing to use that power to control their population.
Central Characters: By naming Shiphrah and Puah, the verse focuses attention on them as key figures in the unfolding story.
Moral Dilemma: The subsequent verses reveal that the pharaoh ordered the midwives to kill newborn Hebrew boys. This puts Shiphrah and Puah in a moral dilemma, forcing them to choose between obeying the pharaoh's command and upholding their values.
Resistance and Hope: Their eventual decision to disobey the pharaoh's order marks the beginning of resistance against oppression and provides a glimmer of hope for the Israelites.
In essence, Exodus 1:15 serves as an introduction to a critical moment of moral conflict and resistance against tyranny. It sets the stage for the courageous actions of Shiphrah and Puah, who defied the pharaoh and ultimately contributed to the survival of the Hebrew people.
This verse from Exodus 1:15 sets the stage for a crucial event in the story of the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt. Here's a breakdown of its meaning and significance:
"The king of Egypt": This refers to the pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt at the time. The specific pharaoh is not named, but his actions set in motion the events of Exodus.
"spoke to the Hebrew midwives": This indicates that the pharaoh held a conversation with the midwives who attended to the Hebrew women during childbirth. Midwives were vital figures in ensuring safe deliveries.
"of whom the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah": This part identifies two specific midwives by name: Shiphrah and Puah. The verse highlights these two individuals, suggesting that they played a significant role in the narrative that follows. It is implied that they were the leading or most prominent midwives in the Hebrew community.
Significance and Implications:
Authority and Oppression: The verse establishes that the pharaoh held power over the Hebrew people and was willing to use that power to control their population.
Central Characters: By naming Shiphrah and Puah, the verse focuses attention on them as key figures in the unfolding story.
Moral Dilemma: The subsequent verses reveal that the pharaoh ordered the midwives to kill newborn Hebrew boys. This puts Shiphrah and Puah in a moral dilemma, forcing them to choose between obeying the pharaoh's command and upholding their values.
Resistance and Hope: Their eventual decision to disobey the pharaoh's order marks the beginning of resistance against oppression and provides a glimmer of hope for the Israelites.
In essence, Exodus 1:15 serves as an introduction to a critical moment of moral conflict and resistance against tyranny. It sets the stage for the courageous actions of Shiphrah and Puah, who defied the pharaoh and ultimately contributed to the survival of the Hebrew people.