Study note

Exodus 1:15

  • Pharaoh is a title for the Egyptian ruler, not a personal name.

  • The origin of the word Hebrew is not clear. When Egyptians and Philistines used this word for the Israelites, it may have been an insult. It likely described a low social class that other people considered unimportant or inferior.

  • Whatever the number of Hebrew people, there were clearly more than two midwives for the whole nation (see study note on 12:37). Shiphrah and Puah probably represent the entire group.

    The differences between Pharaoh and the midwives were very clear:

    • Pharaoh had great political and military power, but the midwives had none.

    • Pharaoh had high status, but they had little.

    • Pharaoh was a man from the ruling people, and they were enslaved women.

    • Pharaoh was rich, and they were poor.

    • Pharaoh could have easily forced them to obey, but they did not give in.