The Greatest Reward

In this week's Portion, Shemot שְׁמוֹת (Names), we embark on our study of another book of the Torah: Exodus. The names of the books in Hebrew are usually the first word of the book and give us amazing clues on what to expect from the book. That is, what we should focus on. As a simple example, I always use the book of Bereshit (Genesis - In the beginning). Bereshit is the first word of the book and means in the beginning in Hebrew. This time the translation into Greek, Genesis, just so happens to line up with the Hebrew: Since Genesis in Greek also means "beginning." What clue is Adonai giving His people about that first book? He is telling us that the first book is all about origins and beginnings. We see the first marriage, the first sin, the first reconciliation, the first covenant, the first judgment, and so forth. We understand that when reading Genesis we are focusing on the origin of all things. With that in mind, what is the book of "Names" all about? Adonai is telling us to pay attention and focus on people. However, in Hebrew, a name is not only what we use to call someone, but it is also how we see people's characters. Names are very important and in ancient times names were used to describe a person's very being. As we transition into this new chapter in the Torah, Adonai is telling us to focus on the people's names, what they mean, and how to glean from them moral lessons.

In the very first lesson today, a couple of brave women stood out and taught me an invaluable lesson about charity. The reason it stood out is because they were Hebrew midwives. Where else in the scriptures are we told the specific names of servants? Just as a comparison, in the book of Genesis, we are told a story about Joseph and how he was tempted by Potiphar's wife. The story goes into minute details about everything that happened with Joseph on that occasion, but we are not told what the name of Potiphar's wife is. A woman of stature and elevated status in the Egyptian court. Yet, not important enough to have her name recorded in Adonai's Word. Now, in the book of "Names", we are told a story about two servants, and their names are recorded and revealed. Why? What did they do that is so important that Adonai chose to honor them by recording and revealing their names to countless future generations? What lesson can we glean from their actions?

"The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah," Exodus 1:15

Let's begin by learning the meaning of their names. Shiphrah שִׁפְרָה comes from the root word Shaphar שָׁפַר which means "Fair." Not in the sense of just being beautiful, but it means having inner beauty. Her actions, attitudes, and demeanor make her beautiful in other people's eyes regardless of her appearance. I call it the E.T. syndrome: They could not have made him any uglier, but as you watch the movie you start to think he is "cute". His character and goodness help most of us overlook his outer appearance and we fall in love with the character. Puah פּוּעָה is already the root word (no further etymology is given) and it isn't a word that appears anywhere else in scripture. The given translation or meaning of the word is "Splendid". An adjective used as a synonym for excellent or magnificent.

What did these women do that was so "Fair" and "Splendid"? They risked their very lives to ensure Israelite babies could live. They were given orders by the king to kill all male babies while performing the deliveries:

"'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." Exodus 1:16-17

The main lesson I want to focus on has not yet been delivered (pun intended). Yes, performing civil disobedience when the orders from an authority go directly against Adonai's word and principles is a wonderful lesson we can learn. Even when that disobedience may cost us our lives. Something many of us may still experience in our lifetime if the mark of the beast from Revelation 13 is implemented. Still, this is not the biggest lesson we can learn from these women.

For me, what stood out even more was the reward these women were given:

"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." Exodus 1:20-21

Adonai rewarded them with the prosperity of the nation. Yes, He also gave them a large and blessed family, but that reward was the natural progression of the people's reward. If the entire nation was being blessed and increased in number, then it is only natural that the midwives, who were also Israelites, participated in that blessing. That, in my opinion, is the greatest reward one can receive. The midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, taught us that the motivation of doing what is good and right in Adonai's sight should be in favor of others. They didn't think of their benefit but risked their lives and personal well-being because they feared Adonai. There was no direct order from Adonai. No special revelation. An angel didn't come down and tell them what to do. They didn't have a dream or prophetic word from the Almighty. They simply knew Him and immediately understood that what the king was asking went against Adonai's teachings. And knowing the cost and risk, they simply chose to do what was right. They had no guarantee that their plan would work and that they would be honored.

How beautiful and "Fair" their "Splendid" actions and attitudes were. Adonai obviously agreed and, in addition to giving them earthly blessings, gave them eternal reward by recording their names in His teachings for all future generations to read and HOPEFULLY learn this marvelous lesson. I can only pray and hope that I can face life's challenges with equal fortitude. Meditate on this and think about how you too can obey Adonai today. Your motivation should be to simply obey and to benefit others. Do this knowing that the greatest reward will be that inner joy and satisfaction you get as the Holy Spirit of Adonai gives you life and confirms that you are pleasing the Father. In addition to all the earthly blessings that He also bestows on us as we live righteously before Him. Shavuah Tov Ve'Shalom to all of His people. I pray you all to find favor in His eyes this week as we seek to to His will. Love ya!