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

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 1:21. It’s a really interesting and somewhat unsettling passage about a situation in ancient Egypt. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: The Situation: God is creating the Israelites (the people Moses led) in Egypt. He wants them to be a successful nation, but Pharaoh, the Egyptian ruler, doesn’t want them to leave his land. The Problem: The midwives – women who were helping to deliver babies – are tasked with carrying the newborn Hebrew boys. They’re worried about God's will and what might happen if they succeed. What Happens Next: Because of this fear, the midwives decide to build them houses for the babies. It seems like a normal thing to do, but it's a crucial part of the story that highlights their belief that God is controlling events. Simple Explanation: The verse essentially says that because the midwives were afraid of God, they decided to build houses for the babies, as a way of acknowledging and respecting God’s power even if he wasn’t directly involved in the birth process. It's a symbolic act – a demonstration of obedience to God's will in a situation where it might seem like defiance. Important Context (Why it matters): This story is significant because it shows how people can be deeply affected by their beliefs and how they try to control the divine plan. It’s a reminder that even when we feel like we're resisting God, he might still work through us in unexpected ways. Does this mean the midwives were doing something wrong? That’s a complex question for theologians to debate. It doesn't necessarily suggest they were actively disobeying God. It speaks more to their fear and a desire to protect the Israelites. It's a testament to human fallibility and our tendency to seek to understand and control what we don't fully grasp. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this story? Explore why this story is considered important in religious traditions?