Moses' mother, known as Jochebed, is a significant yet often understated figure in the biblical narrative. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Exodus, where she is depicted as a woman of great faith and courage. Jochebed was a member of the tribe of Levi, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and her lineage is noted in Exodus 6:20: "Amram married his father's sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses."

Historical Context

Jochebed lived during a tumultuous period in Israelite history. The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, and Pharaoh, fearing their growing numbers, decreed that all newborn Hebrew boys were to be killed. This edict is recorded in Exodus 1:22: "Then Pharaoh commanded all his people: 'Every son born to the Hebrews you must throw into the Nile, but every daughter you may allow to live.'"

Act of Faith

In defiance of Pharaoh's decree, Jochebed took extraordinary measures to preserve the life of her son. Exodus 2:2-3 describes her actions: "When she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile."

Jochebed's decision to place Moses in a basket on the Nile was an act of profound faith. She entrusted her son's life to God's providence, believing that He would protect and deliver him. Her faith is later commended in Hebrews 11:23: "By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was a beautiful child, and they were unafraid of the king's edict."

Providential Care

God's providence is evident in the events that followed. Moses was discovered by Pharaoh's daughter, who took pity on him and decided to raise him as her own. In a remarkable turn of events, Moses' sister, Miriam, who had been watching from a distance, offered to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child. Pharaoh's daughter agreed, and Miriam brought Jochebed to nurse her own son (Exodus 2:7-9). This arrangement allowed Jochebed to care for Moses during his early years, instilling in him the faith and heritage of his people.

Legacy

Jochebed's legacy is profound, as she played a crucial role in the preservation and upbringing of Moses, who would become one of the most important leaders in Israelite history. Her faith and courage set the stage for the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Through her actions, Jochebed exemplifies the virtues of faith, courage, and maternal devotion, serving as an enduring model for believers throughout the ages.