ויהי כי יראו המילדת את האלוקים ויעש להם בתים
For the midwives feared Hashem and he made for them houses
The Pasuk tells us that the reward for the fear of Hashem was "houses". We know that Hashem works with us Midah K'neged Midah, which means that the reward conceptually matches the deed. What then, is the connection between Yiras Shomayim and the building of homes?
The Mei HaShiloach explains:
Earthly, mundane fear strips a person of his Yishuv HaDa'as - his sense of internal balance and calm. Fear, in its essence is unsettling, this is why we fear the dark. When robbed of our sight we are constantly unsure what is lurking just beyond our reach. It is in the uncertainty that stresses us.
Fear of Heaven however, is different. When my soul concern (pun intended) is remaining strictly in-sync with Ratzon Hashem, all of a sudden life's issues become far simpler. When my life is governed of Yisras Hashem and not fear of the mundane goings-on I already have the answer to every question I may face (although I may need guidance and inner strength to get there.) True fear of the Almighty taps me in to a meta-ethical reality that puts me above and beyond the pettiness of modern life.
A house is the place where I should feel the most security. It's where I go after all my concerns of the day are behind me. I keep the warmth and stability of my family in and the tribulations out. My home is where I store my memories. In short, a Bayis should be the center for my Yishuv HaDa'as.
This is why the reward for Miryam and Yocheved was "houses". Their fear of Hashem garnered for them and internal peace and calm that is only embodied by the sense of home.
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