Exodus 1:15

French (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond 1910)

Le roi d'Egypte parla aussi aux sages-femmes des Hébreux, nommées l'une Schiphra, et l'autre Pua.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, the king of Egypt speaks to two Hebrew midwives named Shiphrah and Puah. He is giving them instructions, which we learn more about in the following verses.

Explained for Children

Imagine if the principal of your school asked two special helpers, let's call them Shiphrah and Puah, to do something important. That's what's happening here, but in this story, it's a king asking two midwives to do something very serious.

Historical Background

This part of the Bible was written by Moses, a leader of the Israelites, around the 13th century BCE. It describes the beginning of the conflict between the Israelites and the Egyptians, setting the stage for the Exodus story. The context is one of oppression and the struggle for survival.

Living It Out Today

Imagine being in a position where you have to decide between following a powerful person's orders and doing what you know is right. This verse invites us to consider the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it's difficult.

Topics

• oppression
• obedience
• moral courage
• leadership
• divine protection
• conflict

Related Verses

• Exodus 1:22
• Exodus 2:1-10
• Genesis 18:20-25
• Matthew 2:13-15
• Acts 5:29

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are Shiphrah and Puah?

Shiphrah and Puah are two Hebrew midwives who are addressed by the king of Egypt. They play a key role in the early part of the Exodus narrative.

What did the king of Egypt ask the midwives to do?

The king of Egypt asked the midwives to kill all the newborn Hebrew boys, but this is revealed in the following verses, not in Exodus 1:15.

Why are the names of the midwives important?

The names of Shiphrah and Puah are important because they show that these were real people who faced a critical decision about following orders or doing what was right.

What can we learn from this verse?

This verse teaches us about the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult or when it goes against powerful authority figures.