Exodus 1:16

The stools. Literally, “two stones.” Various unconvincing explanations of this term have been given, none of which need be repeated here inasmuch as its real meaning has been discovered by the Egyptologist Spiegelberg. In Egypt, birthstools consisting of either two stones or stones laid in the shape of a horseshoe were used. The common Egyptian expression, “to sit on the bricks” for “giving birth,” as found in various ancient inscriptions, reveals the meaning of the king’s words, “Watch them when they are on the two stones.” The use of this Egyptian expression confirms the Mosaic authorship of Exodus.

If it be a son. It was a common practice throughout the ancient world to expose unwanted children by leaving them to die, or more commonly, to be devoured by birds or wild animals. The command of the king also reflects the pagan custom of killing all enemy males and forcing the women and girls to become household slaves of the conquerors. In many ancient wars of conquest the entire male population was thus put to the sword. Pharaoh apparently intended to make use of living males for the specific building projects he had in mind, but to let the Hebrews die out as a people with that generation. He planned thus to rid himself of a potential enemy within his borders, and at the same time provide a supply of female slaves for Egyptian households.