Congregation Bible Study September 21-27, 2026 | Shiphrah, Puah, Amram, Jochebed, and Miriam — “By Faith Moses Was Hid”

Shiphrah and Puah showed courage by obeying Jehovah rather than Pharaoh, even though the command came from Egypt’s most powerful man. Amram and Jochebed risked much to protect their son, and Miriam acted with initiative when she watched the basket and spoke to Pharaoh’s daughter. I learn that courage is not always dramatic; often it means doing what is right when obedience to God carries a real cost.

Hebrews 11:23 highlights the faith of Moses’ parents. They did not act because they knew exactly how the situation would end, but because they were convinced about who deserved their obedience. That teaches me that Christian courage can appear before there is a visible solution.

Miriam was young, but she was not a passive observer. She stayed alert, saw an opportunity, and spoke at the right moment. Her example encourages me not to think that age or lack of a formal responsibility prevents me from doing something courageous and useful for others.

Their courage came from putting Jehovah above fear, even when the outcome was still uncertain.

Archaeology provides details that fit the Egyptian setting described in the Bible and the presence of Semitic peoples in that region. To me, such evidence does not replace faith, but it does confirm that Bible accounts are rooted in real places, customs, and periods. I am encouraged that the Bible does not present a vague myth but events that fit what is known about the ancient world. The historical fit gives me another concrete reason to take the record seriously.

It also helps me stay balanced: I do not need every Bible detail to have a matching archaeological artifact. Surviving evidence is incomplete. When independent findings fit the historical setting, I view them as an additional reason to respect the accuracy of the account.

This kind of research can help when speaking with someone who thinks the Bible is merely a collection of legends. Rather than argue, I can show that its accounts take place in recognizable historical settings and invite the person to examine the evidence personally.

Archaeology does not create my faith, but it can reinforce my confidence that the Bible records real history.

Papyrus was commonly used in Egypt to make containers and boats, so Moses’ basket fits naturally with the culture of that setting. Pharaoh’s absolute authority also explains how he could issue cruel orders against a subject people. These details show me that the account knows its environment well. The accuracy of everyday elements makes the story more tangible as an event in a real society. Those details strengthen my confidence that the writer was describing a familiar, real world.

I am struck that Jochebed used available materials and practical skill to protect her child. Faith did not make her wait passively for a miracle. She did what she could with ordinary resources and left the outcome with Jehovah; that blend of faith and initiative is useful today.

The account also shows how a government can turn an unjust decision into official policy. That reminds me that human legality and divine justice do not always coincide. When they conflict, I need to decide in advance that Jehovah’s authority comes first.

The Egyptian details make the account more vivid and highlight the practical faith shown by Moses’ family.

Shiphrah and Puah feared the true God, and that healthy fear outweighed their fear of Pharaoh. They chose to preserve innocent life even though they knew they could be questioned for disobedience. Jehovah saw their loyalty and dealt well with them. I learn that he notices decisions others may overlook and deeply values those who protect what is right when doing so requires courage. Jehovah’s response also shows that quiet loyalty can matter greatly to him.

Their work placed them exactly where Pharaoh’s order was supposed to be carried out. They could have reasoned that they were merely following instructions, but they understood that moral responsibility remained personal. That reminds me that I can never hand my conscience over to a human authority or group pressure.

Jehovah’s blessing did not mean the situation was easy from the start. They first had to act in faith. That corrects the idea that a God-approved decision will always remove risk or tension immediately; sometimes his approval becomes evident after we take the courageous step.

Shiphrah and Puah teach me that fear of Jehovah can be stronger than fear of any human.

Miriam kept serving Jehovah for decades after the scene by the Nile. She lived through enormous changes, saw her people leave Egypt, and remained active among the Israelites. Although she also made mistakes, her whole life shows a faith that was not frozen in one childhood act. I am encouraged that true courage is not a single moment; it can become a lifelong course of service. Her endurance gives me a realistic model of faith that keeps growing through an imperfect life.

Her example also shows that a later mistake does not automatically erase years of faithfulness. Jehovah corrected Miriam when necessary, yet the Bible still recognizes her place among his servants. That helps me accept correction without thinking that one failure defines my entire spiritual life.

I would like to imitate her endurance by remaining useful as my strength and circumstances change. With age I may not be able to do exactly what I once did, but I can keep looking for ways to support true worship and encourage those who come after me.

Miriam encourages me to turn courage in one moment into a whole life of faithful service.

Amram and Jochebed did everything they could to protect their children and used the time they had with Moses to teach him about Jehovah. Their example shows me that parents cannot control every outside circumstance, but they can create a home where faith becomes real. Spiritual teaching requires intention, time, and example. What a child learns early about Jehovah can stay with him long after he leaves home.

They also had to accept that a time would come when they could no longer protect Moses personally. That must have been painful. Christian parents can prepare children for future choices by teaching not only what to do but why they love Jehovah and trust his standards.

Their family shows that spirituality does not depend on ideal conditions. They raised faithful children under slavery and threat. That can encourage parents facing financial pressure, opposition, or limited time: hardship does not prevent a consistent example from leaving a deep mark.

Parents cannot control everything, but they can fill the home with reasons to love and trust Jehovah.

Miriam showed that an older sibling can watch over and help a younger one without acting superior. She stayed attentive to Moses and used initiative when an opportunity to help appeared. Children can imitate her by being protective, speaking kindly, and supporting their siblings spiritually. A good relationship between brothers and sisters can become a source of encouragement for many years. That kind of teaching can help faith become personal rather than merely inherited.

Miriam did not solve the entire problem, but she did the part within her reach. That is a beautiful lesson for a child: you do not have to be an adult to help. You can include a sibling, defend them from teasing, share something learned from the Bible, or give encouragement when they are sad.

I also learn that being observant matters. Miriam could act because she was watching. In a family, noticing that a sibling is quiet, nervous, or needs help can open the door to a simple act that strengthens the relationship and makes that person feel supported.

Miriam teaches me that a sibling can be protective, attentive, and spiritually helpful from a young age.

I can imitate Shiphrah and Puah by deciding in advance that no human pressure will outrank my obedience to Jehovah. If an authority, employer, classmate, or group expects something that violates a Bible principle, I need a trained conscience that recognizes the line. Their example also teaches calm intelligence: courage does not require seeking conflict, but it does require standing firm when a choice must be made.

One way to prepare is to think ahead about possible situations and what I would say. If I wait until I am under pressure, fear may control my response. Knowing the Bible principle and having a respectful explanation ready can help me speak firmly without becoming aggressive.

I also want to remember that they protected others, not just their own conscience. Sometimes Christian courage means using my position to keep a vulnerable person from being treated unjustly. I can ask what responsible action is within my reach without compromising my principles.

I want to train my conscience now so that under pressure, obeying Jehovah remains my first reaction.

This account teaches me that Jehovah sees acts of faith that powerful people may despise or never notice. He observed two midwives, enslaved parents, and a young girl, and used their choices to protect Moses. It also shows that he can frustrate cruel plans without losing control of his purpose. I am impressed by his individual attention: during a national crisis, he knew the specific actions of people who trusted him.

Jehovah also allows his servants to use initiative. He did not give Jochebed detailed instructions about a basket or dictate every word Miriam should say. They acted with faith and good judgment, and he blessed their efforts. That helps me not confuse relying on Jehovah with waiting passively.

I also see that Jehovah values life and does not share the indifference of cruel rulers. Pharaoh viewed babies as a political problem; Jehovah viewed them as lives worth protecting. That contrast teaches me much about the tenderness and justice of his rulership.

Jehovah sees the faith of ordinary people and can make their courageous choices part of something much larger.

Moses’ protection ties directly to Jehovah’s purpose because he would become the instrument used to free Israel from Egypt. That nation was connected with the promises to Abraham and would eventually produce the Messiah. Satan and Pharaoh could try to destroy lives, but they could not stop the course of events Jehovah had determined. The account shows that his purpose moves forward even under extreme opposition.

I am struck that Jehovah advanced a worldwide promise through local decisions made by several families. That shows that seemingly small people can have a real place in his purpose. My faithfulness may look limited, but I never know how it may contribute to something larger Jehovah is accomplishing.

The issue of sovereignty is also present. Pharaoh acted as if he had absolute authority over life, but Shiphrah and Puah recognized a higher Ruler. That conflict anticipates a truth running through the Bible: Jehovah deserves obedience above every human power.

Moses’ survival shows that no ruler can prevent Jehovah from moving his purpose forward.

I would like to ask Jochebed what she felt when she left the basket among the reeds and how she managed her fear as she walked away. I would ask Miriam what went through her mind before approaching Pharaoh’s daughter, and Shiphrah and Puah how they reacted when they received that terrible order. Their answers could reveal emotions the account does not record and show even more clearly that Bible courage existed alongside very real human feelings.

I would also ask Amram how he supported Jochebed during those dangerous months. The Bible says little about their conversations as a married couple. Learning how they prayed, made decisions, and encouraged each other could offer very practical lessons on how a couple can stay united under pressure.

I would ask Miriam what it was like years later to see that baby become the man Jehovah used to lead Israel out of Egypt. It must have been amazing to connect her small act of watchfulness by the river with everything that happened afterward.

I would love to hear how they experienced moments the Bible summarizes briefly and what they learned about Jehovah.