Jochebed, the mother of Moses, is a relatively lesser-known figure in the Bible, yet her role is foundational in the history of Israel. Although the Bible does not dedicate many verses to Jochebed, her story provides crucial insights into faith, courage, and the unwavering devotion of a mother to her child and her God. She plays a significant role in the preservation of Israel’s future leader, the man who would lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and into the Promised Land. To understand Jochebed’s place in Scripture and her importance, we need to explore her background, her acts of faith, and the lasting impact of her legacy.
Jochebed’s Background: A Woman of Faith
Jochebed’s name is first introduced in the book of Exodus. According to the Bible, she was a member of the Levite tribe, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Her background is rooted in the lineage of Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah (Exodus 2:1; Numbers 26:59). As a Levite, Jochebed would have been part of a people set apart for service to God. This gives us the first indication of her faith, as she would have been raised in a community with a deep reverence for God and a tradition of following His commandments.
Jochebed’s husband, Amram, also came from the tribe of Levi, and they had at least three children: Aaron, Miriam, and Moses. Each of her children would go on to play a significant role in the history of Israel. Aaron became the first high priest of Israel, and Miriam is remembered as a prophetess, leading the women of Israel in praise after the crossing of the Red Sea.
The Historical Context: Israel in Egypt
The story of Jochebed takes place during a turbulent period in Israel’s history. The Israelites had been living in Egypt for several centuries, initially invited by Joseph during a time of famine (Genesis 46). However, as the years passed, the Israelites became numerous, and the Egyptian Pharaoh grew fearful of their growing population. In an effort to control them, he subjected the Israelites to harsh slavery.
By the time of Jochebed’s life, the Israelites were under severe oppression. In an attempt to curb the Hebrew population, Pharaoh ordered that all male Hebrew infants be thrown into the Nile River (Exodus 1:22). It was in this dark, oppressive climate that Jochebed’s faith and courage were tested in ways that would ultimately lead to the deliverance of Israel.
Jochebed’s Courageous Act of Faith: Saving Moses
Jochebed’s most significant act in Scripture is the saving of her son Moses. This story is detailed in Exodus 2:1-10. When Moses was born, the decree of Pharaoh was still in effect, and his life was in grave danger. Yet, Jochebed refused to obey this unjust command. Instead of surrendering Moses to Pharaoh’s soldiers, she acted with faith and wisdom.
The Secret of Moses’ Birth and Jochebed’s Actions
The Bible tells us that when Jochebed saw Moses, she “saw that he was a fine child” (Exodus 2:2). The phrase “fine child” is interpreted in various ways by biblical scholars, but it is often seen as a sign that Jochebed recognized something special about her son. She likely believed, even at that moment, that God had a purpose for Moses’ life, which is why she took such drastic action to protect him.
Jochebed hid her son for three months, but as he grew older and more difficult to conceal, she decided to place him in a basket made of bulrushes and coated with tar and pitch. The word “basket” in Exodus 2:3 is the same Hebrew word used for Noah‘s ark (tebah), emphasizing that Moses’ survival was as miraculous as Noah’s. This act of placing Moses in the Nile River was not an act of desperation but a final, faith-filled effort to preserve his life, trusting that God would intervene.
Jochebed’s faith and courage were rewarded when her daughter, Miriam, kept watch over the basket from a distance. As the basket floated down the river, Pharaoh’s daughter came to bathe in the Nile and discovered the child. Miriam, who had been watching, approached Pharaoh’s daughter and offered to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child. Unbeknownst to Pharaoh’s daughter, the woman she chose was none other than Jochebed, Moses’ mother.
In this way, God not only preserved Moses’ life but also allowed Jochebed to continue caring for him and nursing him in his early years. This act of faith and the miracle of Moses’ survival paved the way for the future leader of Israel.
Jochebed’s Role in Raising Moses: A Woman of Influence
Although Moses was eventually raised in the Egyptian court as the adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter, Jochebed’s early influence on her son cannot be understated. The Bible does not provide many details about her direct involvement in Moses’ upbringing, but it is clear that the time she spent with him was formative. In Acts 7:20-22, Stephen, in his speech before the Sanhedrin, recounts that Moses was “instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians.” However, it is likely that Jochebed also imparted to Moses the foundational beliefs and customs of the Hebrew people, teaching him about God’s promises and Israel’s identity as God’s chosen people.
Moses’ Choice to Identify with His People
The influence of Jochebed on Moses is seen most clearly in his decision to identify with the Hebrews, even though he had been raised in Pharaoh’s household. In Hebrews 11:24-26, the Bible commends Moses for choosing to endure the hardship of being a Hebrew rather than enjoying the fleeting pleasures of the Egyptian palace. This decision is a reflection of the faith passed down from his mother. She likely instilled in him a deep sense of his heritage and the call to deliver God’s people.
Jochebed’s teaching and her example of faith were a foundation for Moses, even as he grew into adulthood and prepared to lead Israel out of Egypt. Although the specifics of their relationship after Moses was returned to Pharaoh’s daughter are unknown, it is likely that Jochebed’s influence continued to shape Moses in profound ways.
Jochebed’s Legacy: A Mother of Faith and Courage
Jochebed’s legacy extends far beyond her immediate family. She was a woman whose faith in God led her to take bold actions, and her influence played a key role in the shaping of Moses’ destiny. Moses went on to become the great leader of Israel, the deliverer of God’s people from Egyptian bondage, and the lawgiver who brought God’s commandments to the people.
Jochebed in the Context of Biblical Mothers
Jochebed’s story is part of a larger biblical tradition of mothers who exhibited great faith in God. Like Sarah, Rebecca, and Hannah, Jochebed was a woman who trusted in God’s promises, even in the face of impossible circumstances. Her story resonates with mothers and women of faith throughout the ages, reminding them of the power of trusting God, even when the world seems stacked against them.
Jochebed is also significant as a maternal figure who embodied sacrifice for the sake of God’s purposes. In placing Moses in the river, she surrendered her own personal desires for the safety of her child, trusting in God’s plan for his life. This is a profound act of selflessness that mirrors the sacrifice of countless biblical women.
Jochebed’s Role in the Redemption of Israel
Jochebed’s ultimate contribution to the redemption of Israel cannot be overlooked. Had she not acted in faith, Moses would not have survived, and the deliverance of Israel might never have occurred. Through her actions, Jochebed became a crucial instrument in the unfolding of God’s plan to free His people from slavery and establish them as a nation. Her legacy is woven into the larger narrative of salvation history, as Moses’ leadership marked the beginning of the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land.
Conclusion
Jochebed’s story is not just one of maternal love but also one of profound faith and courage. Her willingness to risk everything to protect her child and her confidence in God’s plan are qualities that Christians can learn from today. Whether we are parents, leaders, or simply individuals trying to navigate life’s challenges, Jochebed’s example encourages us to trust in God’s providence, even in difficult and uncertain times.
In a world where mothers are often called upon to make difficult decisions, Jochebed’s unwavering faith stands as a powerful example. Through her life, we are reminded that God uses ordinary people to fulfill His extraordinary purposes, and even in the most difficult situations, He is always in control.
Jochebed’s legacy is one of quiet but profound faith, and it is one that continues to inspire Christians around the world. As we reflect on her life, may we be encouraged to trust God with our own lives and the lives of those we love, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises.
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