I'm talking about the midwives who, at great personal risk, chose compassion over compliance.
Pharaoh, in his paranoia, sought to control the burgeoning Israelite population by ordering these midwives to kill newborn male babies. He tried everything to sway them. According to Legends of the Jews, by Louis Ginzberg, he even tried amorous advances, which they rebuffed. Then came the threats—death by fire.
But these women, Shiphrah and Puah (names some traditions also associate with Jochebed and Miriam), were made of sterner stuff. They thought to themselves, "Our father Abraham opened an inn to feed even heathen wayfarers. Should we then neglect these children, even kill them? No, we will keep them alive!"
And so they did.
They actively disobeyed Pharaoh's orders, choosing instead to nurture and care for these vulnerable infants. They didn’t just passively avoid killing them; they provided for their needs. When a new mother lacked food or drink, these midwives took it upon themselves to collect provisions from wealthier women, ensuring the baby wouldn't suffer.
But their dedication went even further. They understood the danger they were in—how easily they could be accused of harming the children they were supposed to be killing. So, they turned to God in prayer. They pleaded, "You know that we are not fulfilling Pharaoh's words, but we aim to fulfill Your words. May it be Your will, our Lord, to let the child come into the world safe and sound, lest we be suspected of trying to slay it and maiming it in the attempt."
And here's where the story takes on a miraculous hue. God heard their prayers. As Ginzberg tells us, no child born under the care of these midwives came into the world lame, blind, or with any other blemish. This detail underscores the divine protection afforded to those who choose righteousness, even in the face of immense pressure.
What does this tell us? Perhaps it is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, acts of courage and compassion – however small they may seem – can have profound consequences. Shiphrah and Puah could have easily justified following Pharaoh's orders. They could have protected themselves. But they chose a different path, a path guided by empathy and a deep-seated belief in the sanctity of life. Their defiance wasn't just an act of rebellion; it was an act of faith, an affirmation of their commitment to a higher moral code. Their story echoes through the ages, reminding us that even ordinary people can become extraordinary heroes when they choose to stand up for what is right.