What is the name of Moses' mother? I. Introduction Moses stands as one of the most significant figures in the biblical narrative, whom God used to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and receive the Law on Mount Sinai. Despite the prominence of his story, the name of his mother is not revealed at first glance in Exodus when his birth is described. However, the genealogical records within the Scriptures do provide this important detail, allowing us to identify a critical figure in Israel’s history who nurtured one of its greatest leaders. II. Scriptural Identification of Moses’ Mother In the Book of Exodus, when Moses is born, the text initially refers to his parents simply as “a man of the house of Levi” and “a daughter of Levi” (Exodus 2:1). The specific name of Moses’ mother is not given in that immediate context. Instead, Scripture later offers her name in a genealogical listing: • “Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses; and Amram lived 137 years.” (Exodus 6:20) • “And the name of Amram’s wife was Jochebed, a descendant of Levi, who was born to the Levites in Egypt. To Amram she bore Aaron, Moses, and their sister Miriam.” (Numbers 26:59) From these verses, we learn that Moses’ mother was named Jochebed (in Hebrew, often transliterated as Yokheved). She is also identified as the mother of Aaron and Miriam, solidifying her place at the heart of a Levitical family that led Israel both spiritually and politically. III. Meaning and Significance of the Name Jochebed The meaning of the name Jochebed is often understood to be related to the Hebrew word for “glory” or “honor” (kavod) combined with part of God’s covenant name (YH or Yah). Various scholars consider its meaning to imply “Yahweh is glory,” “Yahweh is honor,” or “God’s glory.” This name underscores Jochebed’s notable role, not simply as the mother who rescued Moses by sending him afloat in a basket along the Nile (Exodus 2:3) but also as a woman who acknowledged the glory of the Lord. Her trust in God’s divine protection and providence for her son served as a foundational moment in Israel’s history. IV. Historical and Textual Consistency Although the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) references Moses extensively, the naming of Jochebed specifically in Exodus 6:20 and Numbers 26:59 ensures consistency across the biblical record. Later Jewish tradition and commentators—such as Josephus in his “Antiquities of the Jews”—also affirm Jochebed as Moses’ mother. Manuscript analyses, including fragments found among the Dead Sea Scrolls (which contain portions of the Pentateuch), corroborate these consistent genealogical details. The text remains aligned with the Masoretic Tradition and other early authoritative copies, demonstrating a remarkable stability of transmission. V. Cultural and Historical Context In Jochebed’s day, the children of Israel labored under slavery imposed by the Egyptian pharaoh. This context shapes her actions in Exodus 2, when she strategized to preserve Moses’ life despite Pharaoh’s order to kill all Hebrew baby boys (Exodus 1:22). Her resourceful plan involved placing Moses in a papyrus basket and entrusting him to the waters of the Nile while Miriam stood at a distance (Exodus 2:3–4). Ironically, in the sovereignty of God, Pharaoh’s own daughter discovered Moses. Jochebed’s quick thinking and nurturing spirit led Pharaoh’s daughter to hire Jochebed as a nurse, allowing her to raise Moses in his earliest years. This arrangement gave him a firm foundation in the traditions of his people before he was brought up in the Egyptian court. VI. Significance in the Broader Biblical Narrative Jochebed’s faithful guardianship of Moses tied into a larger narrative of deliverance. God’s plan for redeeming Israel from Egypt hinged on Moses, yet it began with the obedience and courage of a mother who trusted in divine sovereignty. This illuminates a recurring theological theme throughout Scripture: God often uses individuals—and their seemingly small acts of faith—for pivotal turning points in redemptive history. From Jochebed’s protection of Moses to his eventual leadership in the exodus, her actions represent how God orchestrates salvation for His people. VII. Related Cross-References and Lessons • Exodus 1–2: The oppression in Egypt and the birth of Moses. • Exodus 6:14–26: Detailed genealogy providing Jochebed’s name. • Numbers 26:59: Highlights Aaron, Moses, and Miriam, all children of Jochebed. • Hebrews 11:23: Though her name is not mentioned here, her faith is implied in the reference to Moses’ parents’ act of hiding their child, as they saw “he was an extraordinary child” and did not fear the king’s edict. These passages remind readers of the importance of family lineage within God’s covenant community and spotlight the integral role Jochebed played. VIII. Conclusion Jochebed is the revealed name of Moses’ mother, a central figure in the formative history of the Israelites. Her bravery, faith, and the providential circumstances surrounding Moses’ survival stand as testament to God’s design. Named in Exodus 6:20 and Numbers 26:59, she is recognized in Scripture and Jewish tradition as a mother who exemplifies reliance on divine promise. Ultimately, the details provided by Scripture—which retain remarkable fidelity across centuries—demonstrate that Moses was indeed born into a Levitical family that influenced Israel’s course. Jochebed’s life highlights how acts of faith can reverberate across time, furthering God’s plan to redeem and guide His people. |
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