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Exodus 1:21 - Fear God, gain eternal legacy.

Exodus 1:21 - שמות 1:21

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי כִּי־יָרְאוּ הַמְיַלְּדֹת אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים וַיַּעַשׂ לָהֶם בָּתִּים׃

English Translation

And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.

Transliteration

Vay'hi ki-yar'u hamyaldot et-ha'Elohim vaya'as lahem batim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֕י כִּֽי־יָרְא֥וּ הַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֖ת אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים וַיַּ֥עַשׂ לָהֶ֖ם בָּתִּֽים׃
וַיְהִ֕י כִּֽי־יָרְא֥וּ הַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֖ת אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים וַיַּ֥עַשׂ לָהֶ֖ם בָּתִּֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse

The verse (Shemot 1:21) states: "וַיְהִי כִּי־יָרְאוּ הַמְיַלְּדֹת אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים וַיַּעַשׂ לָהֶם בָּתִּים" ("And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that He made them houses"). This describes the reward given to Shifra and Puah, the righteous midwives who defied Pharaoh's decree to kill Israelite male infants.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the "houses" (בָּתִּים) refer to dynasties of Kehunah (priesthood) and Malchut (kingship). According to tradition, Shifra was Yocheved (Moshe's mother), and Puah was Miriam (Moshe's sister). As a reward for their righteousness:

  • From Yocheved descended the Kohanim (priests) and Levi'im (Levites).
  • From Miriam descended King David and the royal dynasty of Judah.

Ibn Ezra's Perspective

Ibn Ezra suggests that the "houses" were literal homes—Hashem ensured that the midwives' own households were blessed with prosperity and protection as a reward for their moral courage.

The Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:15) elaborates that their fear of Heaven (יִרְאַת ה') was the foundation of their actions. Their refusal to commit murder, despite Pharaoh's orders, demonstrated their unwavering commitment to divine morality. The "houses" symbolize both physical and spiritual legacies, as their descendants became leaders of Israel.

Rambam on Fear of God

Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 2:2) teaches that yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven) is the prerequisite for true wisdom. The midwives' fear of God over human authority exemplifies this principle, showing that divine reverence leads to eternal reward.

Practical Lesson

This verse teaches that:

  • Moral courage is rewarded by Hashem, often in ways beyond immediate comprehension.
  • True yirat Hashem overrides even the most oppressive human decrees.
  • Righteous actions create lasting legacies—both materially and spiritually.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 11b
The verse is discussed in relation to the midwives Shiphrah and Puah, who feared God and were rewarded with houses, interpreted by the Talmud as either dynasties or literal houses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were the midwives mentioned in Exodus 1:21?
A: The midwives were Shifra and Puah, who defied Pharaoh's order to kill newborn Israelite boys. According to Rashi, they may have been Hebrew women or Egyptian women who converted and feared Hashem. Their bravery and faith are highlighted in this verse.
Q: What does it mean that God 'made them houses' in Exodus 1:21?
A: The phrase 'made them houses' refers to the great reward they received for their righteousness. Rashi explains that this means they were blessed with descendants who became great leaders—either the priestly and Levitical families (from Shifra, identified as Yocheved) or the royal dynasty of King David (from Puah, identified as Miriam).
Q: Why is the fear of God important in Exodus 1:21?
A: The midwives' fear of God was their motivation to disobey Pharaoh's evil decree. The Rambam teaches that true fear of Hashem means acting morally even under pressure. Their example shows that prioritizing divine commandments over human laws leads to blessing.
Q: How does Exodus 1:21 apply to us today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of moral courage—doing what's right despite societal pressure. Just as the midwives were rewarded for their integrity, the Talmud (Pesachim 50b) states that those who act out of reverence for Heaven will be strengthened in their righteousness.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the midwives in Exodus 1:21?
A: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:15) highlights that the midwives' small act of kindness—saving babies—led to monumental historical impact (the birth of Moshe and future leaders). This teaches that every mitzvah, no matter how seemingly small, has eternal significance in Hashem's plan.