Who Was Puah in the Bible?
Puah is a name that appears in the Old Testament, referring to two distinct individuals. One is a Hebrew midwife known for her courage in defying Pharaoh’s orders, and the other is an ancestor of the tribe of Issachar. Each Puah played a significant role in the biblical narrative, providing lessons and insights for modern Christians.
Puah the Hebrew Midwife
Defiance of Pharaoh’s Orders
Puah, along with another midwife named Shiphrah, is mentioned in Exodus 1:15-21. The Pharaoh of Egypt, fearing the growing population of the Israelites, commanded these midwives to kill all male Hebrew babies at birth. However, Puah and Shiphrah feared God more than they feared Pharaoh. They disobeyed the king’s orders and allowed the boys to live.
Exodus 1:15-17 (NIV): “The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, ‘When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.’ The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live.”
God’s Reward for Faithfulness
Because of their faithfulness and fear of God, He blessed Puah and Shiphrah. God was kind to the midwives and gave them families of their own.
Exodus 1:20-21 (NIV): “So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own.”
Puah the Issacharite
Ancestral Significance
The second Puah, also known as Puvah or Phuvah, was a man of the tribe of Issachar. He is first mentioned in Genesis 46:13, where he is listed among the sons of Issachar who went to Egypt with Jacob’s family.
Genesis 46:13 (NIV): “The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron.”
Descendants and Legacy
The descendants of Puah are known as the Punites. In Numbers 26:23, the Punites are listed among the clans of Issachar. Furthermore, Puah is referenced in Judges 10:1 as the father of Tola, who became a judge of Israel.
Judges 10:1 (NIV): “After the time of Abimelek, a man of Issachar named Tola son of Puah, the son of Dodo, rose to save Israel. He lived in Shamir, in the hill country of Ephraim.”
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Courage in the Face of Injustice
Puah the midwife exemplifies the courage required to stand against unjust orders and protect the innocent. Modern Christians are called to act with similar bravery when faced with injustice. This lesson emphasizes the importance of fearing God above all earthly powers and being willing to stand up for what is right, even at great personal risk. Proverbs 31:8-9 encourages, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
The Blessings of Faithfulness
God rewarded Puah and Shiphrah for their faithfulness, demonstrating that He honors those who obey Him and uphold His principles. This assurance of divine blessing encourages Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and actions, trusting that God sees their efforts and will provide for them. Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
The Importance of Legacy
Puah the Issacharite’s legacy, through his descendant Tola, highlights the importance of a godly heritage. Tola’s role as a judge who saved Israel underscores the impact one can have on future generations. Christians are reminded to live in a way that positively influences their descendants and leaves a legacy of faithfulness and service to God. Psalm 78:4 encourages, “We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Care for the Vulnerable
The story of Puah the midwife reflects God’s deep care for the vulnerable, especially the unborn and infants. By protecting the Hebrew babies, Puah participated in God’s plan to preserve His people. This care continues today, with God calling His people to protect and advocate for the vulnerable. Psalm 82:3-4 instructs, “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
God’s Faithfulness in Rewarding Righteousness
God’s reward to Puah for her faithfulness shows His commitment to honoring those who live righteously. This connection highlights that God is attentive to the actions of His people and rewards their faithfulness, both in this life and in eternity. Hebrews 11:6 states, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Connection to Jesus Christ
Christ as the Ultimate Protector
Puah’s protection of the Hebrew babies foreshadows Christ’s ultimate role as protector and savior. Just as Puah saved the innocent from death, Jesus saves humanity from sin and eternal death. John 10:10-11 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
The Call to Serve
Jesus calls His followers to serve others selflessly, just as Puah served the Hebrew community. By following Jesus’ example of service, Christians are encouraged to act with compassion and justice in their communities. Matthew 20:28 reminds us, “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Conclusion
Puah, both the midwife and the Issacharite, played significant roles in the biblical narrative. Puah the midwife’s bravery and faithfulness highlight the importance of standing against injustice and trusting in God’s rewards. Puah the Issacharite’s legacy through his descendant Tola underscores the impact of a godly heritage. Both individuals demonstrate the principles of courage, faithfulness, and service, providing valuable lessons for modern Christians. By connecting their stories to a loving God and Jesus Christ, believers are encouraged to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God (Micah 6:8). Through their examples, Christians are inspired to leave a lasting legacy of faith and righteousness.