Moses’s Elephant Circle
Las time we talked about a few women whose stories were deeply troubled, yet God brought beauty and triumph from their brokenness. Now, we enter a period in Scripture largely dominated by men. But even here, the quiet courage of women shines brightly, notably in the story of Moses. Though Moses becomes a pivotal figure in biblical history, his journey depended significantly on a remarkable group of courageous women.
After Joseph saves his family from famine and relocates them to Egypt, generations pass, and things dramatically change:
"Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died, but the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied greatly… Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt… So they put slave masters over them to oppress them" (Exod. 1:6–11 NIV).
For 400 years, the Israelites remained enslaved. Initially comfortable in Egypt, they had gradually become captives. This "friendly captivity" serves as a powerful reminder: we must remain vigilant, not allowing temporary comforts to distract us from our true purpose and identity in God.
The Courage of Midwives
Pharaoh, fearing the growing population of Hebrews, orders the midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill newborn Hebrew boys:
"But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king's orders" (Exod. 1:17 NIV).
Their brave defiance shows their unwavering faith. Despite centuries of silence from God, they trust Him enough to risk their own lives. When confronted by Pharaoh, their clever response—highlighting the "vigorous" nature of Hebrew women—protects the children and preserves their integrity.
The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women," the midwives replied. "They are more vigorous and have their babies so quickly that we cannot get there in time." Exod 1:19 NLT
Jochebed: A Mother's Ingenuity
When Pharaoh orders Hebrew baby boys thrown into the Nile, Jochebed, Moses's mother, acts ingeniously:
"She got a basket made of papyrus reeds and waterproofed it with tar and pitch… laid it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile" (Exod. 2:3 NLT).
Interestingly, the Hebrew word for "basket" here is the same used for Noah’s "ark"—a vessel of salvation. Jochebed cleverly utilizes Pharaoh's decree to protect her son, transforming the river meant for death into a path of life.
Miriam: Sisterly Vigilance
Moses’s sister, Miriam, courageously watches over her brother, ensuring his safety from a distance (Exod. 2:4 NLT). Her bravery and quick thinking later help reunite Moses with their mother, who nurses him openly under Pharaoh’s daughter's protection.
Pharaoh's Daughter: Compassionate Defiance
Pharaoh's daughter defies her father's edict by rescuing the Hebrew infant:
"The little boy was crying, and she felt sorry for him… 'This must be one of the Hebrew children,' she said" (Exod. 2:6 NLT).
This act of compassion puts her own safety at risk. She not only saves Moses but also adopts him, giving him the name Moses—meaning "to lift out"—foreshadowing his eventual role in rescuing the Israelites.
Zipporah: Fierce Protection
Later, Zipporah, Moses’s wife, emerges as another decisive protector:
"But Moses' wife, Zipporah, took a flint knife and circumcised her son… After that, the LORD left him alone" (Exod. 4:25–26 NLT).
Zipporah boldly fulfills God's command to circumcise her son when Moses hesitates, illustrating fierce loyalty and decisive faithfulness.
The Elephant Circle
Reflecting on these remarkable women, I discovered a powerful parallel in nature: the "elephant circle." When a female elephant gives birth or is injured, other female elephants encircle her, forming a protective barrier, trumpeting, stomping, and defending against threats. Research shows that the presence of a supportive female herd significantly reduces stress for mother elephants, protecting their vulnerable members with collective strength.
This vivid image beautifully represents the circle of women surrounding Moses. Each played an essential role, risking their safety to protect Moses and shape his destiny. Without them, Moses—Israel’s great liberator—would never have fulfilled his calling.
Ladies, our enemy seeks to isolate and divide us through jealousy, distraction, and competition. Yet, like these elephants, we too must circle around each other—standing fiercely together, guarding, supporting, and championing one another. Prioritizing our female friendships strengthens our families, marriages, and communities. Let's reject isolation, embrace vulnerability, and build circles of encouragement and fierce protection around one another.
Discussion Questions
What do you think of the idea of "friendly captivity"? Have you experienced something similar?
How do you think the Israelites maintained their faith despite 400 years of slavery?
Consider the roles of Shiphrah, Puah, Jochebed, Miriam, Pharaoh’s daughter, and Zipporah. How critical were these women to Moses's journey and mission?
Do you currently have women who form your "elephant circle"? What practical steps could you take to cultivate these relationships?
Why do you think God frequently chooses seemingly ordinary or unnoticed people, like these women, for pivotal roles in His story?
Reflect on a time when you’ve benefited from or provided support within a community of women. How did it impact your faith and sense of belonging?
Works Cited
Holy Bible, New International Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015.
"Female Elephants Protect Each Other." Elephant Voices.
https://www.elephantvoices.org
"Social Dynamics Among Elephants." Indian Institute of Science.
https://www.iisc.ac.in
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