Exodus 1:8-2:10 - Shiphrah and Puah

Courageous and ingenious midwives of life. That's how I think of these two biblical stars.

It is a time of Pharaohs interested in systems of oppression and structures of harm. A time of whole systems, not just one leader, interested in enslavement, not shy about their use of power.

Can we hear Pharaoh’s words? “Let us deal shrewdly with them or they will increase.” It might as well be White America’s slogan for our times!

Two women given names in the book of Exodus: Shiphrah and Puah. By the way, the Pharaoh is not named in Exodus, as if the story already knows that his power is waning, as if the story wants us to keep in mind that there will always be another Pharaoh.

But the women! Let’s focus on them. They are our models! Resist the temptation to think of yourself as Moses. The one who liberates. The leader. It is tempting to play the role of Moses in your ministry. The one who will lead people in their journey of Faith.

But the liberation of the Israelites did not begin with Moses at the burning bush. That’s Chapter 3! The liberation of the Israelites from their participation in, and oppression from, systems of injustice. The liberation of the Israelites began with Shiphrah and Puah, two courageous midwives who were willing to help others give birth. They used their ingenuity to sustain life in a culture of death.

Midwives. Perhaps this is the model of leadership we need for today. In an age of empire, in a time of control and oppression, we need leaders who are willing to serve others as they struggle to bring forth life.

After their courageous and imaginative act of defiance, the story says, “God was good to the midwives.” Of course, there was never any doubt about God’s position on this issue: God chooses midwives over Pharaohs every time.

Friends, be courageous and ingenious midwives of life!

Exodus: August and Beyond

Uncle Ishmael will be exploring the biblical book of Exodus in alignment with the Revised Common Lectionary. The lectionary begins on August 23 with Exodus 1 and concludes its journey through the book on October 11 with Exodus 32.

Here's a list of the Sundays and the Exodus scripture lesson:
August 23 2026 Exodus 1:8-2:10
August 30 2026 Exodus 3:1-15
September 6 2026 Exodus 12:1-14
September 13 2026 Exodus 14:19-31
September 20 2026 Exodus 16:2-15
September 27 2026 Exodus 17:1-7
October 4 2026 Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
October 11 2026 Exodus 32:1-14

A Benediction (Or Miscellaneous Thoughts)

All of the reflections on East of Eden are available at www.uncleishmael.com.

These reflections will be combined into a single Reading Guide and will be available on the website's Resources page.