The correct option is
B. families.
Explanation of the Correct Answer
Shiphrah and Puah were two Hebrew midwives mentioned in the Book of Exodus in the Bible. They played a crucial role during a time when the Pharaoh of Egypt ordered that all Hebrew male infants be killed at birth to control the population of the Israelites. Instead of obeying this unjust command, Shiphrah and Puah chose to fear God and disobey Pharaoh, allowing the male babies to live.
As a reward for their bravery and faithfulness to God's command, the Bible states in Exodus 1:20-21 that God dealt well with the midwives, and because they feared God, He gave them families. This means that God blessed them with children of their own, which was a significant blessing in the context of ancient Israelite culture, where having a family was highly valued.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
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A. positions: While Shiphrah and Puah did hold important positions as midwives, the text does not specifically mention that they were rewarded with higher positions or titles. Their existing role was already significant, and the reward mentioned in the scripture focuses on the blessing of families rather than promotions or new roles.
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C. wealth: The Bible does not indicate that Shiphrah and Puah were rewarded with wealth. The focus of their reward was on family and the continuation of their lineage, which was more culturally and spiritually significant than material wealth in their context.
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D. servants: There is no biblical evidence that Shiphrah and Puah were rewarded with servants. The concept of being given servants does not align with the narrative of their faithfulness and the nature of God's reward, which was a blessing of family rather than an increase in social status or servitude.
Summary of Key Points
- Shiphrah and Puah disobeyed Pharaoh's order to kill Hebrew male infants, choosing to obey God instead.
- As a reward for their faithfulness, God blessed them with families, as stated in Exodus 1:20-21.
- The other options (positions, wealth, servants) do not align with the biblical account of their reward.
- The emphasis in the scripture is on the blessing of family, which was a significant aspect of life in ancient Israel.
This understanding of Shiphrah and Puah's story highlights the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the blessings that can come from such obedience.