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Hebrew Text
English Translation
Transliteration
Hebrew Leining Text
Parasha Commentary
📚 Talmud Citations
This verse is quoted in the Talmud.
Hebrew Text
English Translation
Transliteration
Hebrew Leining Text
Parasha Commentary
The Fear of Heaven in Defying Pharaoh
The verse describes how the Hebrew midwives, Shifra and Puah (as identified in Shemot 1:15), defied Pharaoh's decree to kill all newborn Israelite boys. Their actions are attributed to their fear of God (וַתִּירֶאןָ אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים), which superseded their fear of Pharaoh. Rashi (Shemot 1:17) explains that their fear of God was rooted in a deep recognition of Divine authority, compelling them to prioritize moral duty over royal command. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:15) further elaborates that their fear of God was so profound that it overrode any concern for their own lives.
The Identity of the Midwives
While the verse does not name the midwives, Chazal identify them as Shifra and Puah (Shemot 1:15). The Talmud (Sotah 11b) suggests that Shifra was another name for Yocheved, Moshe's mother, and Puah was Miriam, Moshe's sister. Ramban (Shemot 1:15) supports this view, noting that their familial connection to Moshe explains their exceptional courage. Alternatively, Ibn Ezra posits that they were Egyptian women who converted due to their reverence for God, demonstrating that righteousness is not limited by lineage.
The Nature of Their Disobedience
The phrase וְלֹא עָשׂוּ כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר אֲלֵיהֶן מֶלֶךְ מִצְרָיִם highlights their active resistance. The Mechilta (Bo 13) teaches that their refusal was not passive but involved deliberate efforts to sustain the children, such as providing food and care. The Sforno (Shemot 1:17) adds that their defiance was a public act of Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of God's name), as they risked execution for their principles.
Divine Reward for Their Righteousness
The continuation of the narrative (Shemot 1:21) states that God rewarded the midwives with households (בָּתִּים). Rashi explains this as a reference to the priestly and Levitical dynasties that descended from them (Yocheved and Miriam). The Kli Yakar (Shemot 1:21) expands on this, noting that their reward mirrored their actions—just as they nurtured life, God established enduring spiritual legacies through their descendants.
- Moral Courage: The midwives exemplify the principle of Yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven) overriding human authority when laws conflict with morality (Rambam, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 5:1-3).
- Passive and Active Resistance: Their refusal to kill the infants was accompanied by proactive measures to ensure their survival (Talmud, Sotah 11b).
- Universal Lesson: Their story teaches that righteousness is accessible to all, whether born into holiness (like Yocheved) or achieving it through choice (like Puah, if she was a convert).
Hebrew Text
English Translation
Transliteration
Hebrew Leining Text
Parasha Commentary
The Fear of Heaven in Defying Pharaoh
The verse describes how the Hebrew midwives, Shifra and Puah (as identified in Shemot 1:15), defied Pharaoh's decree to kill all newborn Israelite boys. Their actions are attributed to their fear of God (וַתִּירֶאןָ אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים), which superseded their fear of Pharaoh. Rashi (Shemot 1:17) explains that their fear of God was rooted in a deep recognition of Divine authority, compelling them to prioritize moral duty over royal command. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:15) further elaborates that their fear of God was so profound that it overrode any concern for their own lives.
The Identity of the Midwives
While the verse does not name the midwives, Chazal identify them as Shifra and Puah (Shemot 1:15). The Talmud (Sotah 11b) suggests that Shifra was another name for Yocheved, Moshe's mother, and Puah was Miriam, Moshe's sister. Ramban (Shemot 1:15) supports this view, noting that their familial connection to Moshe explains their exceptional courage. Alternatively, Ibn Ezra posits that they were Egyptian women who converted due to their reverence for God, demonstrating that righteousness is not limited by lineage.
The Nature of Their Disobedience
The phrase וְלֹא עָשׂוּ כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר אֲלֵיהֶן מֶלֶךְ מִצְרָיִם highlights their active resistance. The Mechilta (Bo 13) teaches that their refusal was not passive but involved deliberate efforts to sustain the children, such as providing food and care. The Sforno (Shemot 1:17) adds that their defiance was a public act of Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of God's name), as they risked execution for their principles.
Divine Reward for Their Righteousness
The continuation of the narrative (Shemot 1:21) states that God rewarded the midwives with households (בָּתִּים). Rashi explains this as a reference to the priestly and Levitical dynasties that descended from them (Yocheved and Miriam). The Kli Yakar (Shemot 1:21) expands on this, noting that their reward mirrored their actions—just as they nurtured life, God established enduring spiritual legacies through their descendants.
- Moral Courage: The midwives exemplify the principle of Yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven) overriding human authority when laws conflict with morality (Rambam, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 5:1-3).
- Passive and Active Resistance: Their refusal to kill the infants was accompanied by proactive measures to ensure their survival (Talmud, Sotah 11b).
- Universal Lesson: Their story teaches that righteousness is accessible to all, whether born into holiness (like Yocheved) or achieving it through choice (like Puah, if she was a convert).
Hebrew Text
English Translation
Transliteration
Hebrew Leining Text
Parasha Commentary
The Fear of Heaven in Defying Pharaoh
The verse describes how the Hebrew midwives, Shifra and Puah (as identified in Shemot 1:15), defied Pharaoh's decree to kill all newborn Israelite boys. Their actions are attributed to their fear of God (וַתִּירֶאןָ אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים), which superseded their fear of Pharaoh. Rashi (Shemot 1:17) explains that their fear of God was rooted in a deep recognition of Divine authority, compelling them to prioritize moral duty over royal command. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:15) further elaborates that their fear of God was so profound that it overrode any concern for their own lives.
The Identity of the Midwives
While the verse does not name the midwives, Chazal identify them as Shifra and Puah (Shemot 1:15). The Talmud (Sotah 11b) suggests that Shifra was another name for Yocheved, Moshe's mother, and Puah was Miriam, Moshe's sister. Ramban (Shemot 1:15) supports this view, noting that their familial connection to Moshe explains their exceptional courage. Alternatively, Ibn Ezra posits that they were Egyptian women who converted due to their reverence for God, demonstrating that righteousness is not limited by lineage.
The Nature of Their Disobedience
The phrase וְלֹא עָשׂוּ כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר אֲלֵיהֶן מֶלֶךְ מִצְרָיִם highlights their active resistance. The Mechilta (Bo 13) teaches that their refusal was not passive but involved deliberate efforts to sustain the children, such as providing food and care. The Sforno (Shemot 1:17) adds that their defiance was a public act of Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of God's name), as they risked execution for their principles.
Divine Reward for Their Righteousness
The continuation of the narrative (Shemot 1:21) states that God rewarded the midwives with households (בָּתִּים). Rashi explains this as a reference to the priestly and Levitical dynasties that descended from them (Yocheved and Miriam). The Kli Yakar (Shemot 1:21) expands on this, noting that their reward mirrored their actions—just as they nurtured life, God established enduring spiritual legacies through their descendants.
- Moral Courage: The midwives exemplify the principle of Yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven) overriding human authority when laws conflict with morality (Rambam, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 5:1-3).
- Passive and Active Resistance: Their refusal to kill the infants was accompanied by proactive measures to ensure their survival (Talmud, Sotah 11b).
- Universal Lesson: Their story teaches that righteousness is accessible to all, whether born into holiness (like Yocheved) or achieving it through choice (like Puah, if she was a convert).
Hebrew Text
English Translation
Transliteration
Hebrew Leining Text
Parasha Commentary
The Fear of Heaven in Defying Pharaoh
The verse describes how the Hebrew midwives, Shifra and Puah (as identified in Shemot 1:15), defied Pharaoh's decree to kill all newborn Israelite boys. Their actions are attributed to their fear of God (וַתִּירֶאןָ אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים), which superseded their fear of Pharaoh. Rashi (Shemot 1:17) explains that their fear of God was rooted in a deep recognition of Divine authority, compelling them to prioritize moral duty over royal command. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:15) further elaborates that their fear of God was so profound that it overrode any concern for their own lives.
The Identity of the Midwives
While the verse does not name the midwives, Chazal identify them as Shifra and Puah (Shemot 1:15). The Talmud (Sotah 11b) suggests that Shifra was another name for Yocheved, Moshe's mother, and Puah was Miriam, Moshe's sister. Ramban (Shemot 1:15) supports this view, noting that their familial connection to Moshe explains their exceptional courage. Alternatively, Ibn Ezra posits that they were Egyptian women who converted due to their reverence for God, demonstrating that righteousness is not limited by lineage.
The Nature of Their Disobedience
The phrase וְלֹא עָשׂוּ כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר אֲלֵיהֶן מֶלֶךְ מִצְרָיִם highlights their active resistance. The Mechilta (Bo 13) teaches that their refusal was not passive but involved deliberate efforts to sustain the children, such as providing food and care. The Sforno (Shemot 1:17) adds that their defiance was a public act of Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of God's name), as they risked execution for their principles.
Divine Reward for Their Righteousness
The continuation of the narrative (Shemot 1:21) states that God rewarded the midwives with households (בָּתִּים). Rashi explains this as a reference to the priestly and Levitical dynasties that descended from them (Yocheved and Miriam). The Kli Yakar (Shemot 1:21) expands on this, noting that their reward mirrored their actions—just as they nurtured life, God established enduring spiritual legacies through their descendants.
- Moral Courage: The midwives exemplify the principle of Yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven) overriding human authority when laws conflict with morality (Rambam, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 5:1-3).
- Passive and Active Resistance: Their refusal to kill the infants was accompanied by proactive measures to ensure their survival (Talmud, Sotah 11b).
- Universal Lesson: Their story teaches that righteousness is accessible to all, whether born into holiness (like Yocheved) or achieving it through choice (like Puah, if she was a convert).
Hebrew Text
English Translation
Transliteration
Hebrew Leining Text
Parasha Commentary
The Fear of Heaven in Defying Pharaoh
The verse describes how the Hebrew midwives, Shifra and Puah (as identified in Shemot 1:15), defied Pharaoh's decree to kill all newborn Israelite boys. Their actions are attributed to their fear of God (וַתִּירֶאןָ אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים), which superseded their fear of Pharaoh. Rashi (Shemot 1:17) explains that their fear of God was rooted in a deep recognition of Divine authority, compelling them to prioritize moral duty over royal command. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:15) further elaborates that their fear of God was so profound that it overrode any concern for their own lives.
The Identity of the Midwives
While the verse does not name the midwives, Chazal identify them as Shifra and Puah (Shemot 1:15). The Talmud (Sotah 11b) suggests that Shifra was another name for Yocheved, Moshe's mother, and Puah was Miriam, Moshe's sister. Ramban (Shemot 1:15) supports this view, noting that their familial connection to Moshe explains their exceptional courage. Alternatively, Ibn Ezra posits that they were Egyptian women who converted due to their reverence for God, demonstrating that righteousness is not limited by lineage.
The Nature of Their Disobedience
The phrase וְלֹא עָשׂוּ כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר אֲלֵיהֶן מֶלֶךְ מִצְרָיִם highlights their active resistance. The Mechilta (Bo 13) teaches that their refusal was not passive but involved deliberate efforts to sustain the children, such as providing food and care. The Sforno (Shemot 1:17) adds that their defiance was a public act of Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of God's name), as they risked execution for their principles.
Divine Reward for Their Righteousness
The continuation of the narrative (Shemot 1:21) states that God rewarded the midwives with households (בָּתִּים). Rashi explains this as a reference to the priestly and Levitical dynasties that descended from them (Yocheved and Miriam). The Kli Yakar (Shemot 1:21) expands on this, noting that their reward mirrored their actions—just as they nurtured life, God established enduring spiritual legacies through their descendants.
- Moral Courage: The midwives exemplify the principle of Yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven) overriding human authority when laws conflict with morality (Rambam, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 5:1-3).
- Passive and Active Resistance: Their refusal to kill the infants was accompanied by proactive measures to ensure their survival (Talmud, Sotah 11b).
- Universal Lesson: Their story teaches that righteousness is accessible to all, whether born into holiness (like Yocheved) or achieving it through choice (like Puah, if she was a convert).
Hebrew Text
English Translation
Transliteration
Hebrew Leining Text
Parasha Commentary
The Fear of Heaven in Defying Pharaoh
The verse describes how the Hebrew midwives, Shifra and Puah (as identified in Shemot 1:15), defied Pharaoh's decree to kill all newborn Israelite boys. Their actions are attributed to their fear of God (וַתִּירֶאןָ אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים), which superseded their fear of Pharaoh. Rashi (Shemot 1:17) explains that their fear of God was rooted in a deep recognition of Divine authority, compelling them to prioritize moral duty over royal command. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:15) further elaborates that their fear of God was so profound that it overrode any concern for their own lives.
The Identity of the Midwives
While the verse does not name the midwives, Chazal identify them as Shifra and Puah (Shemot 1:15). The Talmud (Sotah 11b) suggests that Shifra was another name for Yocheved, Moshe's mother, and Puah was Miriam, Moshe's sister. Ramban (Shemot 1:15) supports this view, noting that their familial connection to Moshe explains their exceptional courage. Alternatively, Ibn Ezra posits that they were Egyptian women who converted due to their reverence for God, demonstrating that righteousness is not limited by lineage.
The Nature of Their Disobedience
The phrase וְלֹא עָשׂוּ כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר אֲלֵיהֶן מֶלֶךְ מִצְרָיִם highlights their active resistance. The Mechilta (Bo 13) teaches that their refusal was not passive but involved deliberate efforts to sustain the children, such as providing food and care. The Sforno (Shemot 1:17) adds that their defiance was a public act of Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of God's name), as they risked execution for their principles.
Divine Reward for Their Righteousness
The continuation of the narrative (Shemot 1:21) states that God rewarded the midwives with households (בָּתִּים). Rashi explains this as a reference to the priestly and Levitical dynasties that descended from them (Yocheved and Miriam). The Kli Yakar (Shemot 1:21) expands on this, noting that their reward mirrored their actions—just as they nurtured life, God established enduring spiritual legacies through their descendants.
- Moral Courage: The midwives exemplify the principle of Yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven) overriding human authority when laws conflict with morality (Rambam, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 5:1-3).
- Passive and Active Resistance: Their refusal to kill the infants was accompanied by proactive measures to ensure their survival (Talmud, Sotah 11b).
- Universal Lesson: Their story teaches that righteousness is accessible to all, whether born into holiness (like Yocheved) or achieving it through choice (like Puah, if she was a convert).
Hebrew Text
English Translation
Transliteration
Hebrew Leining Text
Parasha Commentary
The Fear of Heaven in Defying Pharaoh
The verse describes how the Hebrew midwives, Shifra and Puah (as identified in Shemot 1:15), defied Pharaoh's decree to kill all newborn Israelite boys. Their actions are attributed to their fear of God (וַתִּירֶאןָ אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים), which superseded their fear of Pharaoh. Rashi (Shemot 1:17) explains that their fear of God was rooted in a deep recognition of Divine authority, compelling them to prioritize moral duty over royal command. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:15) further elaborates that their fear of God was so profound that it overrode any concern for their own lives.
The Identity of the Midwives
While the verse does not name the midwives, Chazal identify them as Shifra and Puah (Shemot 1:15). The Talmud (Sotah 11b) suggests that Shifra was another name for Yocheved, Moshe's mother, and Puah was Miriam, Moshe's sister. Ramban (Shemot 1:15) supports this view, noting that their familial connection to Moshe explains their exceptional courage. Alternatively, Ibn Ezra posits that they were Egyptian women who converted due to their reverence for God, demonstrating that righteousness is not limited by lineage.
The Nature of Their Disobedience
The phrase וְלֹא עָשׂוּ כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר אֲלֵיהֶן מֶלֶךְ מִצְרָיִם highlights their active resistance. The Mechilta (Bo 13) teaches that their refusal was not passive but involved deliberate efforts to sustain the children, such as providing food and care. The Sforno (Shemot 1:17) adds that their defiance was a public act of Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of God's name), as they risked execution for their principles.
Divine Reward for Their Righteousness
The continuation of the narrative (Shemot 1:21) states that God rewarded the midwives with households (בָּתִּים). Rashi explains this as a reference to the priestly and Levitical dynasties that descended from them (Yocheved and Miriam). The Kli Yakar (Shemot 1:21) expands on this, noting that their reward mirrored their actions—just as they nurtured life, God established enduring spiritual legacies through their descendants.
- Moral Courage: The midwives exemplify the principle of Yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven) overriding human authority when laws conflict with morality (Rambam, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 5:1-3).
- Passive and Active Resistance: Their refusal to kill the infants was accompanied by proactive measures to ensure their survival (Talmud, Sotah 11b).
- Universal Lesson: Their story teaches that righteousness is accessible to all, whether born into holiness (like Yocheved) or achieving it through choice (like Puah, if she was a convert).
Hebrew Text
English Translation
Transliteration
Hebrew Leining Text
Parasha Commentary
The Fear of Heaven in Defying Pharaoh
The verse describes how the Hebrew midwives, Shifra and Puah (as identified in Shemot 1:15), defied Pharaoh's decree to kill all newborn Israelite boys. Their actions are attributed to their fear of God (וַתִּירֶאןָ אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים), which superseded their fear of Pharaoh. Rashi (Shemot 1:17) explains that their fear of God was rooted in a deep recognition of Divine authority, compelling them to prioritize moral duty over royal command. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:15) further elaborates that their fear of God was so profound that it overrode any concern for their own lives.
The Identity of the Midwives
While the verse does not name the midwives, Chazal identify them as Shifra and Puah (Shemot 1:15). The Talmud (Sotah 11b) suggests that Shifra was another name for Yocheved, Moshe's mother, and Puah was Miriam, Moshe's sister. Ramban (Shemot 1:15) supports this view, noting that their familial connection to Moshe explains their exceptional courage. Alternatively, Ibn Ezra posits that they were Egyptian women who converted due to their reverence for God, demonstrating that righteousness is not limited by lineage.
The Nature of Their Disobedience
The phrase וְלֹא עָשׂוּ כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר אֲלֵיהֶן מֶלֶךְ מִצְרָיִם highlights their active resistance. The Mechilta (Bo 13) teaches that their refusal was not passive but involved deliberate efforts to sustain the children, such as providing food and care. The Sforno (Shemot 1:17) adds that their defiance was a public act of Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of God's name), as they risked execution for their principles.
Divine Reward for Their Righteousness
The continuation of the narrative (Shemot 1:21) states that God rewarded the midwives with households (בָּתִּים). Rashi explains this as a reference to the priestly and Levitical dynasties that descended from them (Yocheved and Miriam). The Kli Yakar (Shemot 1:21) expands on this, noting that their reward mirrored their actions—just as they nurtured life, God established enduring spiritual legacies through their descendants.
- Moral Courage: The midwives exemplify the principle of Yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven) overriding human authority when laws conflict with morality (Rambam, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 5:1-3).
- Passive and Active Resistance: Their refusal to kill the infants was accompanied by proactive measures to ensure their survival (Talmud, Sotah 11b).
- Universal Lesson: Their story teaches that righteousness is accessible to all, whether born into holiness (like Yocheved) or achieving it through choice (like Puah, if she was a convert).
Hebrew Text
English Translation
Transliteration
Hebrew Leining Text
Parasha Commentary
The Fear of Heaven in Defying Pharaoh
The verse describes how the Hebrew midwives, Shifra and Puah (as identified in Shemot 1:15), defied Pharaoh's decree to kill all newborn Israelite boys. Their actions are attributed to their fear of God (וַתִּירֶאןָ אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים), which superseded their fear of Pharaoh. Rashi (Shemot 1:17) explains that their fear of God was rooted in a deep recognition of Divine authority, compelling them to prioritize moral duty over royal command. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:15) further elaborates that their fear of God was so profound that it overrode any concern for their own lives.
The Identity of the Midwives
While the verse does not name the midwives, Chazal identify them as Shifra and Puah (Shemot 1:15). The Talmud (Sotah 11b) suggests that Shifra was another name for Yocheved, Moshe's mother, and Puah was Miriam, Moshe's sister. Ramban (Shemot 1:15) supports this view, noting that their familial connection to Moshe explains their exceptional courage. Alternatively, Ibn Ezra posits that they were Egyptian women who converted due to their reverence for God, demonstrating that righteousness is not limited by lineage.
The Nature of Their Disobedience
The phrase וְלֹא עָשׂוּ כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר אֲלֵיהֶן מֶלֶךְ מִצְרָיִם highlights their active resistance. The Mechilta (Bo 13) teaches that their refusal was not passive but involved deliberate efforts to sustain the children, such as providing food and care. The Sforno (Shemot 1:17) adds that their defiance was a public act of Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of God's name), as they risked execution for their principles.
Divine Reward for Their Righteousness
The continuation of the narrative (Shemot 1:21) states that God rewarded the midwives with households (בָּתִּים). Rashi explains this as a reference to the priestly and Levitical dynasties that descended from them (Yocheved and Miriam). The Kli Yakar (Shemot 1:21) expands on this, noting that their reward mirrored their actions—just as they nurtured life, God established enduring spiritual legacies through their descendants.
- Moral Courage: The midwives exemplify the principle of Yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven) overriding human authority when laws conflict with morality (Rambam, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 5:1-3).
- Passive and Active Resistance: Their refusal to kill the infants was accompanied by proactive measures to ensure their survival (Talmud, Sotah 11b).
- Universal Lesson: Their story teaches that righteousness is accessible to all, whether born into holiness (like Yocheved) or achieving it through choice (like Puah, if she was a convert).
Hebrew Text
English Translation
Transliteration
Hebrew Leining Text
Parasha Commentary
The Fear of Heaven in Defying Pharaoh
The verse describes how the Hebrew midwives, Shifra and Puah (as identified in Shemot 1:15), defied Pharaoh's decree to kill all newborn Israelite boys. Their actions are attributed to their fear of God (וַתִּירֶאןָ אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים), which superseded their fear of Pharaoh. Rashi (Shemot 1:17) explains that their fear of God was rooted in a deep recognition of Divine authority, compelling them to prioritize moral duty over royal command. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:15) further elaborates that their fear of God was so profound that it overrode any concern for their own lives.
The Identity of the Midwives
While the verse does not name the midwives, Chazal identify them as Shifra and Puah (Shemot 1:15). The Talmud (Sotah 11b) suggests that Shifra was another name for Yocheved, Moshe's mother, and Puah was Miriam, Moshe's sister. Ramban (Shemot 1:15) supports this view, noting that their familial connection to Moshe explains their exceptional courage. Alternatively, Ibn Ezra posits that they were Egyptian women who converted due to their reverence for God, demonstrating that righteousness is not limited by lineage.
The Nature of Their Disobedience
The phrase וְלֹא עָשׂוּ כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר אֲלֵיהֶן מֶלֶךְ מִצְרָיִם highlights their active resistance. The Mechilta (Bo 13) teaches that their refusal was not passive but involved deliberate efforts to sustain the children, such as providing food and care. The Sforno (Shemot 1:17) adds that their defiance was a public act of Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of God's name), as they risked execution for their principles.
Divine Reward for Their Righteousness
The continuation of the narrative (Shemot 1:21) states that God rewarded the midwives with households (בָּתִּים). Rashi explains this as a reference to the priestly and Levitical dynasties that descended from them (Yocheved and Miriam). The Kli Yakar (Shemot 1:21) expands on this, noting that their reward mirrored their actions—just as they nurtured life, God established enduring spiritual legacies through their descendants.
- Moral Courage: The midwives exemplify the principle of Yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven) overriding human authority when laws conflict with morality (Rambam, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 5:1-3).
- Passive and Active Resistance: Their refusal to kill the infants was accompanied by proactive measures to ensure their survival (Talmud, Sotah 11b).
- Universal Lesson: Their story teaches that righteousness is accessible to all, whether born into holiness (like Yocheved) or achieving it through choice (like Puah, if she was a convert).
The Fear of Heaven in Defying Pharaoh
The verse describes how the Hebrew midwives, Shifra and Puah (as identified in Shemot 1:15), defied Pharaoh's decree to kill all newborn Israelite boys. Their actions are attributed to their fear of God (וַתִּירֶאןָ אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים), which superseded their fear of Pharaoh. Rashi (Shemot 1:17) explains that their fear of God was rooted in a deep recognition of Divine authority, compelling them to prioritize moral duty over royal command. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:15) further elaborates that their fear of God was so profound that it overrode any concern for their own lives.
The Identity of the Midwives
While the verse does not name the midwives, Chazal identify them as Shifra and Puah (Shemot 1:15). The Talmud (Sotah 11b) suggests that Shifra was another name for Yocheved, Moshe's mother, and Puah was Miriam, Moshe's sister. Ramban (Shemot 1:15) supports this view, noting that their familial connection to Moshe explains their exceptional courage. Alternatively, Ibn Ezra posits that they were Egyptian women who converted due to their reverence for God, demonstrating that righteousness is not limited by lineage.
The Nature of Their Disobedience
The phrase וְלֹא עָשׂוּ כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר אֲלֵיהֶן מֶלֶךְ מִצְרָיִם highlights their active resistance. The Mechilta (Bo 13) teaches that their refusal was not passive but involved deliberate efforts to sustain the children, such as providing food and care. The Sforno (Shemot 1:17) adds that their defiance was a public act of Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of God's name), as they risked execution for their principles.
Divine Reward for Their Righteousness
The continuation of the narrative (Shemot 1:21) states that God rewarded the midwives with households (בָּתִּים). Rashi explains this as a reference to the priestly and Levitical dynasties that descended from them (Yocheved and Miriam). The Kli Yakar (Shemot 1:21) expands on this, noting that their reward mirrored their actions—just as they nurtured life, God established enduring spiritual legacies through their descendants.