What does Numbers 26:59 mean?
What is the meaning of Numbers 26:59?

Amram’s wife was named Jochebed

“Amram’s wife was named Jochebed” (Numbers 26:59).

• Scripture presents Jochebed first by name, anchoring her identity within Israel’s historical record (Exodus 6:20).

• Naming her affirms God’s regard for individual faithfulness; though centuries have passed since Levi’s arrival in Egypt, the family line is traced with precision (Genesis 46:11).

Hebrews 11:23 highlights the courageous faith shared by both parents when they hid infant Moses, showing that Jochebed was far more than a background figure—she trusted God under dangerous circumstances.


She was also a daughter of Levi

Emphasizing that Jochebed herself descended from Levi shows the purity and continuity of the priestly tribe (Numbers 26:58).

• Both father (Amram) and mother (Jochebed) come from Levi, underlining that the priesthood later entrusted to Aaron originated from two fully Levitical parents (Exodus 2:1).

• This detail fulfills earlier covenant promises that a distinct tribe would serve the sanctuary (Exodus 32:26-29).


Born to Levi in Egypt

Jochebed was born after the family relocated to Egypt, making her part of the first generation born outside Canaan.

• Her birth “in Egypt” reminds us that God preserved His people even under foreign rule (Genesis 50:24-25; Exodus 1:7-12).

• The verse assures the reader that the Levites remained identifiable and faithful despite assimilation pressures, proving the historical reliability of Moses’ genealogical notes.


To Amram she bore Aaron

Aaron, Jochebed’s first-named son, became “the priest” (Exodus 28:1).

• Through Aaron, an entire line of high priests would intercede for the nation (Leviticus 8:12; Psalm 133:2).

• That lineage traces directly to Jochebed’s womb, confirming God’s sovereignty in raising spiritual leaders from faithful households.


To Amram she bore Moses

Jochebed next delivered Moses, Israel’s deliverer and lawgiver (Exodus 2:2; Deuteronomy 34:10).

• Her faith in hiding Moses placed him on the path to Pharaoh’s palace and eventually to Mount Sinai (Acts 7:20-22).

• The verse quietly underscores that great callings often begin with parents who fear God more than man (Exodus 1:17).


And their sister Miriam

Finally, Jochebed bore Miriam, later called “the prophetess” (Exodus 15:20).

• Miriam led Israel in worship after the Red Sea crossing, showing that prophetic gifting also flowed from this family (Micah 6:4).

• All three children—prophet, priest, and prophetess—came from one faithful mother, illustrating God’s design for complementary ministries within a single household.


summary

Numbers 26:59 records, with plain historical accuracy, the family credentials of Israel’s most influential siblings. By spotlighting Jochebed—Levite by birth, wife of Amram, and mother of Aaron, Moses, and Miriam—the verse affirms God’s meticulous preservation of lineage, His use of faithful parents to shape national destiny, and His power to raise leaders even under oppressive circumstances.

Why are the Levitical clans important in the context of Israel's history?
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