Moses’ mother holds a critical place in both the Bible and Jewish history. Her name is Jochebed, and she belongs to a family of Levites. Jochebed’s story is filled with bravery, faith, and love for her children. Despite living in a time of immense danger for the Hebrew people, especially male children, Jochebed took great risks to protect her son, Moses, setting in motion a story that would change history. Through Jochebed’s actions, we witness the strength of a mother’s love and the trust she placed in God’s plan.
What Does the Bible Say About Jochebed?
The Bible first introduces Jochebed in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 2:1-10. While her name is not mentioned until Exodus 6:20, her actions play a crucial role early on in Moses’ life. The Bible describes Jochebed as a member of the Levite tribe, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. She is married to Amram, and together they have three children: Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.
Jochebed’s story begins during a dark period for the Hebrews. The Pharaoh of Egypt, fearing the growing number of Hebrews, ordered the death of every Hebrew male child. The Bible recounts how Jochebed, filled with love for her newborn son and recognizing something special in him, made a bold decision to hide Moses from the Egyptian soldiers. The Bible emphasizes her courage and wisdom in protecting her son, and her story is a shining example of faith and motherhood.
Jochebed Hides Baby Moses
After the birth of Moses, Jochebed knew her child’s life was at risk. Pharaoh had decreed that all male Hebrew babies must be thrown into the Nile River to control the population of the Hebrews. This decree instilled fear in the hearts of Hebrew parents, but Jochebed’s love for her son led her to take drastic measures. The Bible tells us that Jochebed hid Moses for three months, carefully shielding him from the eyes of the Egyptian soldiers.
Hiding a baby is no small feat. Babies cry and need constant care. Jochebed’s courage is evident in the Bible as she successfully concealed Moses for three months, risking her life and the lives of her family. She knew the dangers yet refused to give up her son without a fight.
As Moses grew, it became harder to hide him. The sound of his cries would have surely drawn attention, and Jochebed had to think of another plan. This leads to one of the most famous moments in biblical history—Jochebed places Moses in a basket and sets him afloat on the Nile River. The Bible describes how Jochebed coated the basket with pitch to ensure it would float, and she placed it among the reeds along the riverbank, trusting in God to protect her child. This act of faith is a remarkable testament to Jochebed’s strength and belief in God’s plan.
Pharaoh’s Daughter Raises Moses
The Bible reveals that Pharaoh’s daughter discovered baby Moses while she was bathing in the river. Seeing the basket among the reeds, she ordered her servants to retrieve it. When she opened the basket and saw the crying infant, she immediately recognized him as a Hebrew child. Rather than following her father’s decree to kill all male Hebrew babies, Pharaoh’s daughter took pity on Moses. She decided to raise him as her own, within the palace of the Egyptian royalty.
The Bible tells us that at this moment, Miriam, Moses’ older sister, was watching from a distance. Quick thinking, she approached Pharaoh’s daughter and offered to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby. Pharaoh’s daughter agreed, and Miriam brought her mother, Jochebed, back to the palace. In a twist of divine providence, Jochebed was able to nurse and care for her own son, even under the protection of Pharaoh’s daughter. This arrangement allowed Moses to grow up knowing his Hebrew heritage, even while living in the palace of the Pharaoh.
Jochebed’s role in this part of Moses’ life is crucial. She nurtured him in his early years, and the foundation she laid during this time would later help Moses become the leader of the Hebrew people. The Bible does not specify how long Moses stayed with Jochebed before returning to the palace, but her influence on his life remained with him forever.
Jochebed Bore Moses, Aaron, and Miriam
Jochebed is not only known as the mother of Moses but also as the mother of two other important biblical figures—Aaron and Miriam. Both of these children played significant roles in the liberation of the Hebrew people from Egypt. Aaron became the first high priest of Israel and served as Moses’ spokesperson, while Miriam was a prophetess who helped lead the Hebrews through the wilderness.
The Bible introduces Aaron earlier in the story than Moses. In fact, Aaron was three years older than Moses. During Pharaoh’s decree, Aaron’s life was spared, and he grew up with his family in Goshen. As for Miriam, she was likely the eldest of the siblings, playing a key role in watching over Moses when he was placed in the Nile River.
Jochebed’s role as a mother extended beyond Moses. She raised all three of her children with a deep faith in God, and her devotion shaped the future of the Hebrew people. Aaron, Miriam, and Moses each contributed to the Exodus in significant ways, and their leadership was a reflection of the foundation their mother had built.
Jochebed’s Family and Tribe
Jochebed belonged to the tribe of Levi, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Levites were set apart as the tribe responsible for the religious duties of the Israelites. They did not receive a portion of land like the other tribes but were entrusted with the care of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. As a Levite, Jochebed was born into a family with a special responsibility to serve God. This heritage played a role in the lives of her children, especially in the case of Aaron, who became the first high priest.
Jochebed’s family line can be traced back to Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. The Levites were known for their commitment to worship and their devotion to God’s service. Jochebed’s husband, Amram, was also a Levite, and their marriage ensured that their children would carry on the legacy of service to God. In Exodus 6:20, we learn more about Jochebed’s family line, as it traces the genealogy of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam back to Levi.
The Levite tribe’s special role in Israel’s history is further emphasized through the lives of Jochebed’s children. Moses led the people out of Egypt and brought the Ten Commandments from Mount Sinai. Aaron became the high priest, serving in the Tabernacle, and his descendants continued to serve in the priesthood. Miriam led the Hebrew women in worship and was recognized as a prophetess. All of these roles highlight the significance of Jochebed’s lineage and the spiritual legacy she passed on to her children.
Jochebed’s story is not just about her actions as a mother but also about the heritage she left behind. Her children became the leaders of the Hebrew people, and her faith laid the foundation for their roles in the Exodus and beyond. Her story is a testament to the strength and influence of a mother’s faith, even in the face of danger and oppression.
Jochebed’s life may not be mentioned frequently in the Bible, but her impact is undeniable. Her courageous decisions, rooted in faith and love, continue to inspire generations. Her children carried the weight of God’s plan for the Hebrew people, but it was Jochebed who protected, nurtured, and guided them during their formative years.