Early Hebrew Influencers

Change happens when ordinary people show up.

Imagine if Exodus were written today. It’s likely it would be a YouTube video with modern casting: Pharaoh as the political strongman, taskmasters as the bureaucrats, and Moses as the future leader waiting in the wings.

But the story doesn’t begin with the powerful, the famous or the visible. It begins on the sidelines with women to whom the world isn’t paying a lick of attention. No one would call them Hebrew influencers.

There’s a reason for this, of course. History books, whether ancient or modern, tend to put kings and generals on the front page, presidents and prime ministers in bold headlines, and CEOs and influencers in glossy profiles.

History doesn’t pay too much attention to midwives.

If Shiphrah and Puah lived today, someone might encourage them to open a TikTok account:

• “Teach new moms how to swaddle a baby!”
• “Show off your basket-weaving technique!”
• “Promote the best new diaper brand!”

They...