Courage in Dark Places: Lessons from the Hebrew Midwives

A Light in a Dark Time

In the opening chapter of the Book of Exodus, we meet two women whose courage shines in a time of fear – Shiphrah and Puah. The Israelites were multiplying in Egypt, and a new Pharaoh, threatened by their growth, ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill every newborn boy at birth.

Yet, in the middle of this oppressive command, Scripture records a simple but profound truth:

“But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive.” (Exodus 1:17, NKJV)

These women, though low in societal status and small in public power, made a defining choice: they would honour God above all else.

The Foundation: A Right Fear of God

What gave them such courage? It was not defiance for its own sake – it was reverence.

“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him.” (Psalm 89:7, NKJV)

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13, NKJV)

Their fear of God anchored their actions. When authority conflicted with righteousness, they chose the higher authority.

This echoes the conviction later expressed by the apostles:

“We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29, NKJV)

Courage Under Pressure

Pharaoh did not stop at giving orders – he questioned the midwives when they did not comply. These women stood firm under scrutiny, preserving life despite personal risk.

Their courage was not loud or dramatic. It was quiet, steady, and deeply rooted in conviction.

For many women today, we may face similar tensions today – perhaps not life-and-death commands, but moments where we are pressured to compromise:

• A workplace situation where we are asked to overlook something unethical

• A social setting where speaking up feels uncomfortable or risky

• A parenting decision where the easier path conflicts with our values

• A leadership role where doing right may not be popular

Like Shiphrah and Puah, these moments often do not come with warning. They arise in the middle of everyday responsibilities – while doing your job, caring for others, or navigating relationships. Their story reminds us that courage is often exercised in ordinary settings, in decisions that may go unseen.

Guided by Love, Not Fear

Their actions were not only about reverence – they were also about love for life and for others.

“He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” (1 John 4:8, NKJV)

“Love does no harm to a neighbour: therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”(Romans 13:10, NKJV)

Choosing to preserve life was an expression of both their fear of God and their love for His people. True obedience is not cold or legalistic – it is rooted in love.

God Sees Faithfulness

The account does not end with their act of courage. God honours their faithfulness:

“Therefore God dealt well with the midwives…and because the midwives feared God, that He provided households for them.” (Exodus 1:20-21, NKJV)

Their obedience became part of a much bigger story – one that would eventually lead to the birth of Moses and the deliverance of Israel.

A Personal Reflection

Recently, I had the privilege of concluding a series teaching the children’s nursery class in April, walking them through the journey from the death of Moses to Joshua leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. It was a reminder that God’s plans unfold across generations, often beginning with small, faithful acts.

I also had the opportunity to share this lesson on Shiphrah and Puah as a guest speaker at the Lavender Church of Christ ladies’ class. What stood out afresh was this: before Moses could lead, before Joshua could conquer, before the people could inherit the promise – there were two women who chose to fear God in a hidden and dark moment.

Their decision mattered.

Choosing What We Stand For

The story of the Hebrew midwives invites a question that is both simple and searching: Have I already decided what I stand for, or do I decide only when pressure comes?

When our values are unclear, pressure will shape our response. But when we are anchored in reverence for God and guided by love, for God is love, we can stand firm and, in the light, – even in the darkest or most troubling days.

“But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul – and a distressing spirit from the Lord troubled him.”(1 Samuel 16:14, NKJV)

This verse serves as a sobering contrast – when reverence for God is absent, direction and peace are easily lost. These midwives, however, show us the opposite: a life aligned with God brings clarity and courage.

Courage in Dark Places

Shiphrah and Puah were not rulers, warriors, or prophets. They were midwives doing their daily work. Yet their story reminds us that faithfulness in seemingly unseen roles matters.

Midwives work in the background. They are not the focus of the story of Moses or the Exodus, yet without them, the story changes entirely. In the same way, many women today serve in roles that are not always visible or celebrated – mothers, caregivers, volunteers.

As women navigating complex roles and expectations today, their story invites us to reflect:

• What shapes my decisions when I am under pressure?

• Where am I being asked to compromise, even subtly?

• Am I anchored in my values before the moment of testing arrives?

Courage does not always announce itself. Sometimes, it is simply choosing to do what is right when no one is watching.

And like the Hebrew midwives, those choices – though quiet – can echo far beyond what we see.

This article is dedicated to my mother and my Australian godma – thank you for being quiet lights in my life. Through your steadfast, courageous, and resilient faith, you have shown me what it means to walk with God in both seen and unseen moments.

May we continue to stand firm, love deeply, and shine wherever we are placed.