Midwife
The Role of the Biblical Midwife
In the ancient Near East, childbirth was managed by women, typically older female relatives or skilled community members (1 Samuel 4:20). The biblical midwife's duties are explicitly described in Ezekiel 16:4, which outlines the standard postnatal procedure: cutting the umbilical cord, washing the baby with water, rubbing it with salt (likely for cleansing and protection), and finally wrapping it in swaddling clothes. This indicates a recognized, skilled practice aimed at ensuring the health of both mother and newborn.
Key Biblical Narratives
Midwives appear in several pivotal stories. In Genesis, midwives attend Rachel during the traumatic birth of Benjamin (Genesis 35:17) and assist Tamar during the unusual birth of her twins, Zerah and Perez, even intervening to mark the firstborn's hand (Genesis 38:27-30). Their most famous appearance is in Exodus 1:15-22, where two Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, are commanded by Pharaoh to kill all newborn Hebrew boys. Their courageous civil disobedience—"they feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them" (Exodus 1:17)—directly subverts genocidal oppression. Their clever response to Pharaoh's inquiry about the Hebrew women's vitality ("they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them") preserves the lives of the Israelite children, including Moses.
Historical and Cultural Context
Archaeological and textual evidence suggests midwifery was a common and respected female profession in the ancient world. The Exodus account mentions a "birthstool" (Hebrew 'obhnayim), a piece of furniture likely similar to stools found in Egyptian art, designed to assist delivery in a squatting position. Extra-biblical sources, like the Talmud, speculate on the specific roles of Shiphrah and Puah, with one tradition suggesting Puah comforted or resuscitated the newborn. While such details are interpretive, they underscore the perceived skill involved. Midwives operated within the domestic sphere, their work central to family and community survival.
Theological and Symbolic Significance
The biblical midwife transcends her medical role to become a powerful theological symbol. First, she represents human agency in God's plan. Shiphrah and Puah are named and honored for their faithful defiance, showing how God uses ordinary, courageous people to enact salvation history. Their "fear of God" is contrasted with the "fear of Pharaoh," establishing the proper object of ultimate allegiance. Second, midwives embody compassion and preservation of life at its most vulnerable beginning, aligning with God's creative and protective purposes. Finally, the imagery of midwifery is sometimes applied to God Himself, who is described as acting as a midwife in bringing forth His people (e.g., Psalm 22:9-10; Isaiah 66:9). Thus, the midwife becomes a metaphor for God's intimate, helping presence in times of painful transition and new birth.
Biblical Context
Midwives appear in the books of Genesis, Exodus, and Ezekiel. In Genesis, they are present at key births within the patriarchal narratives (Genesis 35:17; 38:27-30). Their most critical role is in Exodus 1, where they are central figures in the conflict between Pharaoh's decree and God's promise to multiply Israel. Ezekiel 16:4 provides a descriptive account of their standard postnatal procedures. They are always depicted as women performing an essential, skilled service within the community.
Theological Significance
The midwife teaches that God works through faithful human agents to protect life and fulfill His covenants. The story of Shiphrah and Puah demonstrates that the 'fear of God'—a foundational biblical principle—can require courageous resistance to unjust authority. Their actions directly preserved the line of the Messiah. Furthermore, midwifery imagery connects to themes of God as a deliverer who assists in the 'birth' of His people and new creation, emphasizing His intimate care and power in bringing forth life from struggle.
Historical Background
Midwifery was a universal practice in the ancient world. Egyptian medical texts, like the Ebers Papyrus, include information on childbirth, confirming it as a domain of female expertise. The 'birthstool' ('obhnayim) mentioned in Exodus 1:16 is attested in other cultures. While specific details of Hebrew practice are sparse, the biblical descriptions align with known ancient Near Eastern customs where older, experienced women attended births, using practical knowledge passed down through generations. Their role was crucial in societies with high infant and maternal mortality rates.