Strikingly, none of the central figures is named in the opening episodes of Exodus apart from Moses (Exodus 2:10) and these two midwives (Exodus 1:15). Pharaoh and his daughter are never named in the book and Moses’ mother and sister remain nameless until later (see Exodus 6:20; Exodus 15:20). By being named, the midwives are honored for their bravery and faithfulness. Furthermore, by not naming Pharaoh, the text turns worldly ideas of status are their head. While the name of this mighty king is left out, the names of these humble midwives are recorded for all time (see Matthew 26:13).1
15 Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah,