Introduction
The story of Moses is a central part of the biblical narrative and is well-known even among those who are not religious. However, one key figure in the story of Moses that often goes unnoticed is his mother, Jochebed. Her role in the life of Moses and the Israelites is significant and worth exploring. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the life of Jochebed, the mother of Moses, and how her actions were instrumental in shaping the course of history.
Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, was a Hebrew woman who lived in Egypt as a slave. She was married to Amram, and together they had three children: Miriam, Aaron, and Moses. Despite her relatively humble background, Jochebed’s faith and courage played a critical role in the early life of Moses and the eventual emancipation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery.
Key Takeaways
- Jochebed was the mother of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, and a descendant of Levi.
- She hid Moses in a basket to protect him from being killed by the Pharaoh’s decree.
- Jochebed is a symbol of faith and courage in the face of adversity.
- She played a significant role in the early life of Moses and the Israelites’ journey towards freedom.
- Jochebed’s actions had lasting effects on the course of history.
Jochebed’s Faith and Courage
Jochebed’s faith and courage are evident in the story of Moses’ birth. When the Pharaoh of Egypt decreed that all newborn Hebrew boys should be killed to control the growing population of the Israelites, Jochebed made a desperate decision to save her infant son. She hid Moses in a basket made of bulrushes and placed it among the reeds by the riverbank (Exodus 2:3). Her faith in God and her courage to defy the Pharaoh’s orders are essential factors in the events that followed.
This act of faith and courage was not without risk. If Jochebed had been caught defying the Pharaoh’s decree, she would have faced severe punishment or even death. However, her unwavering belief in God and the future of her people led her to take this bold step.
Jochebed’s faith and courage can serve as an inspiration to us all. In moments of fear and uncertainty, we can look to her example and trust that God will guide us in making the right decisions, even when the path ahead seems unclear.
A Providential Encounter
In a remarkable turn of events, it was Pharaoh’s daughter who discovered the baby Moses hidden in the basket among the reeds (Exodus 2:5). Moved by compassion, she decided to adopt Moses and raise him as her own son. This providential encounter not only saved the life of Moses but also ensured that he would grow up in the royal palace, learning the ways of the Egyptians and gaining the knowledge and skills that would be invaluable in leading the Israelites to freedom.
Jochebed’s role in this providential encounter should not be underestimated. It was her faith-filled decision to place Moses in the basket that led to his being discovered by Pharaoh’s daughter. Moreover, Jochebed was given the opportunity to nurse and care for her son during his early years (Exodus 2:7-9). While the Bible does not provide specific details about their relationship during this time, it is reasonable to assume that Jochebed had a significant influence on Moses’ upbringing, instilling in him the values and faith of the Hebrew people.
This encounter serves as a reminder that God often uses seemingly insignificant actions and people to accomplish His purposes. By placing her trust in God, Jochebed played a crucial role in shaping the destiny of her son and her people.
The Impact of Jochebed’s Actions
The story of Jochebed and her son Moses is a testament to the power of faith and courage. Her decision to protect her son from the Pharaoh’s decree set in motion a series of events that would eventually lead to the emancipation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery.
Moses, having grown up in the Pharaoh’s court, was uniquely positioned to confront the Egyptian ruler and demand the release of his people (Exodus 5:1). The subsequent plagues and miracles that God performed through Moses eventually led to the Israelites’ departure from Egypt and their journey towards the Promised Land.
Jochebed’s actions not only had a profound impact on the life of her son but also on the course of history. Her faith and courage in the face of adversity serve as a powerful reminder of the difference that one person can make when they trust in God and follow His guidance.
Jochebed’s Legacy
The story of Jochebed is not one of fame or glory; rather, it is a story of a mother’s love and devotion to her child and her faith in God. Although her name may not be as well-known as that of her son, her influence on Moses and her people is undeniable.
Jochebed’s legacy is that of a woman who, despite her humble circumstances, played a pivotal role in the history of the Israelites. Her faith and courage in the face of adversity continue to inspire and encourage us today.
As we reflect on the life of Jochebed, let us be reminded of the power of faith and courage. May her example serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement for us all, as we too face challenges and uncertainties in our own lives.
Conclusion
The story of Jochebed, the mother of Moses, is a powerful testament to the strength of a mother’s love and the impact of unwavering faith in God. Despite her humble beginnings as a Hebrew slave in Egypt, Jochebed’s actions in hiding Moses and entrusting him to God’s care set the stage for the eventual emancipation of the Israelites from bondage.
As we reflect on the life of Jochebed and the events that followed her courageous decision, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God’s plan, even when the path ahead is uncertain. Through her faith and courage, Jochebed not only saved her son’s life but also played a critical role in shaping the course of history for the Israelites.
Let us take inspiration from Jochebed’s story and strive to demonstrate unwavering faith and courage in our own lives. In doing so, we too can make a profound impact on the world around us and leave a lasting legacy for future generations to follow.
For centuries, Christians everywhere have learned of the incredible journey of Moses as witnessed in the book of the Bible known as Exodus. The details of his life, both historically and symbolically, are brought to life with colorful narration — including his mother, Jochebed. She is mentioned briefly, as she is the one who gave Moses up, allowing him to be adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter, and she is often referred to as “the daughter of Levi.” But, like so many other characters in the Bible, there is no word about what happened to her after he was sent away.
The best explanation, and the most popular one among bible scholars, is that she died shortly after allowing Moses’ adoption. Her act of letting Moses go is an example of faithfulness, but it was informed by love. Since she was nearing the end of her life and already had two other children, it was probably her choice to give Moses up to give him a better life with a much kinder fate. It is believed that she lived long enough to see Moses be adopted, but she is absent throughout the rest of the narrative.
But the mystery of Moses’ mother doesn’t start and end with the Bible. In other versions of Moses’ tales, such as in the Qur’an, Jochebed is again mentioned briefly but what happens to her is absent. Other midrashic works, however, offer much richer stories of her life. In some accounts, she goes with Moses to Midyan, where Moses is adopted by the priest’s daughter, and she lives with her sons for decades. In others, she is reunited with her sons when her husband finds her and his sons in Midyan. Other stories, such as the ones told in Josephus’ book, Antiques Judaica, tell of a mother who rejoices in reuniting with her son many years after giving him up.
So, what happened to Moses’ mother? While we may never know her exact died or her whereabouts after Moses’ adoption, it is clear that whatever happened to Jochebed was a product of great faith. Her decision to entrust her son’s fate to the priests of Pharaoh’s court was an act of trust and love that is unmatched in the annals of the Bible. Her faith and her legacy live on today, inspiring us to remember and emulate her brave, selfless example.
