Exodus 1:8 – 2:10, Romans 12:2                                                                              

The people of Egypt were not afraid of the presence of the Hebrews because the Hebrews were not a political group but an alternative religious community. Their code of ethics was that later expressed by Paul, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”  (Romans 12:2)

A new political environment was created when “... a king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph.” (Exodus 1: 8)  Out of his racial prejudice and unverifiable fear, this king changed Egypt’s policy toward the Hebrews.  Now they were prevented returning to their homeland and forced to become slaves working day and night without a Sabbath building pyramids for the Pharaoh. 

But a hard-labor policy for the Hebrews could not control the growth of their population.  So frightened was Pharaoh and his cabinet of a possible revolt, they decided to order newborn Jewish boys killed at their birth stools and thrown into the Nile.  Did it work?  Yes and no! 

Who dared to rebel against this most powerful, god-figure Pharaoh and his ruthless law?  Two Hebrew midwives and one of Pharaoh’s own daughters. Shiphrah and Puah feared God. They may have tried to think of ways to find to satisfy both Pharaoh and God.  It is likely they spent many days and nights in fear and doubt. 

Which command should they obey: The command of God not to kill or the command of Pharaoh to kill any male child. Their decision?  “At the risk of any punishment like rape and torture and even my life, I will listen to the Lord.” They let the newborn boys live. 

And they experienced God’s hand of salvation.  God led them to save the life of a baby named Moses instead of listening to the arrogant and ruthless command of Pharaoh.

Pharaoh had the keys to bind people on earth but God didn’t give Pharaoh the keys of the kingdom of heaven; these were given to Shiphrah and Puah and the princess. 

As we look the way we do business today, put our money into retirement plans, and fight wars against comparative weak nations, including Iraq and Afghanistan, we may find ourselves bogged down.  Why?  Because God listens now as in Exodus to prayers and supplication of people like Shiphrah, Puah and a princess. God’s way of hearing and observing our situations differs from the policies of all “pharaohs” and their followers.