출애굽기 1:21의 인용 해설

ורוח אלקים, this wind was needed as a feature on physical earth, at the time when G-d commanded the waters to recede so that dry land would become visible. (Genesis 1,9). Compare also Exodus 1,21 when Moses credits the east wind with having made possible the splitting of the sea of reeds, enabling the people of Israel to cross on dry ground.

We encounter the expression אמירה as one which describes appointing someone to a high position in Deut. 26, 17-18 where Israel and G'd each elevate the other to an exclusively superior status. Israel had appointed G'd as its only G'd, and in return G'd appointed Israel as His chosen people. Perhaps the fact that the midwives risked the displeasure of Pharaoh as well as being demoted or worse is reflected in the reward G'd gave them as reported by the Torah in verse 21.

Bahya writes. “He established households for them” [1:21], means that Pharaoh placed an Egyptian between two Israelite houses, to watch over the Israelites so that if a woman would have a son, it should be thrown into the water.³⁷Bahya, Exodus, 1:21.