Jochebed

"Now Amram took for himself Jochebed, his father's sister, as wife; and she bore him Aaron and Moses." Exodus 6:20

Jochebed was "a daughter of Levi". Moses was always careful to identify his mother's family heritage as he penned the nation's history. During the lifetime of Amram and Jochebed the name Levi was looked upon as a violent and revengeful people. (Gen. 34)

Often times Hebrews look upon wealth as having sons and daughters (the promise of God to Abraham).

"I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing." (Gen. 12:2)

Jochebed took initiative over situations. She made things happen and approached a crisis with a resolute mindset. For example, when she took control of hiding Moses from the King.

"So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him three months. But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him, daubed it with asphalt and pitch, put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river's bank." (Ex. 2:2-3)

These actions indicate a fearless and focused woman of faith. The motivation of her and her husband is testified by the writer in (Heb. 11:23-27).

Jochebed found a way around the King's order that would have killed her baby. She placed Moses in the Nile River; which was the law (Ex. 1:22); she surrounded him with protection, including his watchful sister; which was faith (Ex. 2:3-4).

My mind cannot comprehend the terror tactics of ancient pharaohs. Idolatrous and corrupt, they held nothing but contempt for the mysterious God of the Israelites. Hatred, hostility, and hard labor were facts of life for them. Though one woman, acting as a caring and resourceful mother, soared above the evil around her. God saw her heart, heard her prayers, and intervened on her behalf.

Her fame lives on through the lives of her remarkable children. God honored her steadfast purpose by using one of her sons to deliver the Hebrews from Egyptian servitude and by appointing her other son, Aaron, as high priest. Her daughter Miriam became the leader of the Hebrew women, and her entire tribal family was selected by God to lead the rituals of worship for His people.

Jochebed's example has shown me to be courageous, fear God instead of people and hold to a firm faith in His promises and provisions. The important thing is not so much who you are but what you do to meet the challenges and responsibilities that come. She took her motherhood very seriously, nurturing her children in the Lord with conscientious devotion.

I love you & He loves you more!

Lord, May I be steadfast and courageous in my faith. Help me to stand strong in my challenges and to fear You, knowing that You have my best interests at heart. You are my Deliverer, in which I place my trust. In Jesus' name, Amen.