Imagine being ordered by the world’s most powerful ruler to commit an unthinkable act: to murder innocent newborn babies simply because of their ethnicity. Now, imagine finding the incredible strength to refuse – not through grand rebellion, but with quiet, determined defiance. This is the remarkable story of the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, who risked everything to protect Hebrew infants under Pharaoh’s oppressive reign. Their actions show us that true bravery lies in upholding human dignity against dehumanizing power.
Here are 12 powerful lessons on courage from these women, whose compassion, humanity, and hope continue to inspire across generations.
Moral Conviction Outweighs Unjust Authority
When Pharaoh issued the order to kill all Hebrew male infants, he called upon the full might of his empire. Shiphrah and Puah faced a difficult decision of whether to obey the king’s order or uphold their moral duty to preserve life. Their commitment to God’s will outweigh the most powerful authority in Egypt. Their actions remind us that true justice means standing against tyranny, even when it comes from those in power.
Their bravery teaches us that authority doesn’t always mean righteousness. Following a command just because it comes from a powerful leader isn’t always the right choice. Shiphrah and Puah didn’t simply rebel; they stood firm in moral integrity. This challenges us to question our response to authority and remember that our first loyalty is to God’s truth, not human power.
Courage Often Begins with Small, Quiet Acts
The midwives’ resistance was not a dramatic, headline-grabbing rebellion. Instead, it manifested in quiet, almost unnoticeable acts of defiance. Each time they assisted in the birth of a Hebrew male child, they made a subtle choice to let that life continue, directly contradicting Pharaoh’s mandate. These were not grand gestures of protest but small, consistent acts of moral courage.
True courage isn’t always loud or grand. It’s often found in everyday moments, in choosing what’s right when no one’s watching. Shiphrah and Puah remind us that lasting change starts with small, steady decisions.
Fear of God Can Overcome Fear of Humans
“The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live.” – Exodus 1:17
Shiphrah and Puah’s courage came from their reverence for God, not fear of Pharaoh. The verse above shows they “feared God” more than Pharaoh, prompting them to defy his commands. They teach us that honoring God gives us strength to face even the most powerful authorities.
Fear of humans can hold us back, but trusting in God’s power offers greater courage. The midwives’ fear came from recognizing God’s authority over Pharaoh’s. When we put God’s will first, we can stand against injustice also, no matter the cost.
Wit and Resourcefulness
When confronted by Pharaoh about why Hebrew babies were surviving, the midwives responded with remarkable cleverness. They explained that Hebrew women were “vigorous” and gave birth before the midwives could arrive – a response that was both tactically brilliant and subtly subversive. Their quick thinking provided a plausible explanation that protected both themselves and the babies they were saving.
This demonstration of wit reveals that courage is not just about brute resistance but also about strategic thinking and emotional intelligence. The midwives understood the delicate balance of speaking truth to power while protecting themselves. Their resourcefulness teaches us that effective resistance requires moral conviction and the wisdom to navigate dangerous situations.
Protecting the Vulnerable is a Moral Duty
Pharaoh targeted the most defenseless, the newborn Hebrew males, which makes the midwives’ act of saving them a profound moral choice. They recognized that the greatest ethical duty is to defend those who cannot protect themselves.
Their actions urge us to reflect on our responsibility toward the vulnerable. True courage lies not in protecting the strong but in standing up for the marginalized. The midwives transformed their role from caregivers to protectors of life, understanding that preserving life is a sacred duty beyond professional boundaries.
Integrity Has Unexpected Rewards
“So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. And because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own.” – Exodus 1:20-21
Though the midwives faced great danger, God eventually rewarded their integrity. The verse above says God blessed them with families of their own, showing that their faithfulness and courage were recognized. This reminds us that doing what’s right may not always bring immediate rewards, but it can lead to blessings we least expect.
Systemic Injustice Can Be Challenged From Within
Shiphrah and Puah didn’t directly challenge Pharaoh in the traditional sense. Instead, they subtly undermined his decree from within the system. By protecting the Hebrew children, they quietly defied him, showing that systemic injustice can be fought from the inside.
This approach to fighting injustice is powerful. By staying within the system, they managed to resist without provoking immediate retaliation. Their method highlights that real change often comes not from total rejection of the system but through persistent disruption from within.
Courage is Not the Absence of Fear, But Action Despite Fear
The midwives were undoubtedly aware of the terrifying consequences they risked. Defying Pharaoh’s direct command could have resulted in immediate execution. Yet, they did not allow their fear to paralyze them. Their courage was not about being fearless but about taking principled action while acknowledging and experiencing fear.
This lesson is important for us today. We often hesitate because we fear the consequences, but Shiphrah and Puah show that courage means moving forward anyway. Fear doesn’t prevent bravery; the willingness to step into uncertainty, trusting God with the results, defines true courage.
Personal Sacrifice for Collective Freedom
By saving the male children, Shiphrah and Puah were investing in the future of their community. Each child saved represented a potential leader, worker, or family member who would contribute to the survival and eventual freedom of the Hebrews. Their individual acts of bravery were fundamentally about collective hope.
This shifts their resistance from a simple moral decision to a strategic act of community preservation. They knew that individual actions, when part of a larger goal, could create lasting change. Their courage wasn’t just about saving lives but more about ensuring the possibility of freedom for their people.
Moral Leadership Can Emerge from Unexpected Sources
Shiphrah and Puah were not politicians, military leaders, or social elites. They were midwives – professionals whose primary role was medical care. Yet, they became powerful moral leaders during a crucial time for their people. Their story shows that true leadership isn’t limited to traditional positions of power.
Their story also challenges the idea that only those in authority can create change. It suggests that moral courage and ethical vision can come from any background and that individuals need not wait for official permission to take principled action. Leadership, in its most authentic form, is about making the right moral choices, not holding a title.
Nonviolent Resistance is Powerful
The midwives resisted Pharaoh not through violence but by saving lives through disobedience. Their peaceful resistance shows that fighting injustice doesn’t always need force. Nonviolent actions, like theirs, can disrupt oppressive systems effectively.
Today, their example reminds us that we can achieve social change without violence. Whether through civil disobedience or small acts of defiance, nonviolent resistance can bring lasting impact.
Legacy of Courage
Shiphrah and Puah’s courage left a lasting legacy. By saving lives, they not only influenced their time but also played a crucial role in the eventual liberation of the Israelites. Their story continues to inspire people to stand up for what’s right, no matter the cost.
Their legacy teaches us that even small actions can shape history. The midwives’ courage reminds us to act with integrity, take risks for justice, and trust that God will honor our faithfulness. When we choose courage, we contribute to a legacy that can influence the future.
The Power of Courage
The story of Shiphrah and Puah shows that courage often starts with quiet, moral defiance. Their actions teach us that true courage isn’t always loud; sometimes, it’s about quietly standing firm, sacrificing for others, and leading with integrity. Their bravery shaped the future of the Israelites, and our courage today can shape futures as well. The question is: how will we respond when faced with moral challenges? Like these women, we can find strength in action, not in the absence of fear, but in spite of it.
More From Hope No Matter What
12 Christian Practices That Do More Harm Than Good
13 Myths About Salvation That Confuse Believers
13 Lies Christians Believe About Their Faith that Lead to Discouragement
15 Common Reasons People Reject Jesus
Vidivir is a dedicated high school teacher and a loving mother of three. With over a decade of experience as a blogger and article writer, she has honed her craft in storytelling. As a devoted church lector and servant of God, she combines her passion for writing with her faith, aiming to inspire others through her words.