Who was Jochebed in the Bible
Jochebed is one of the most inspiring women of the Old Testament. The mother of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, she played a fundamental role in the history of Israel’s salvation.
Her name appears in Exodus, and her quiet courage was decisive in preserving the life of the one who would become the great deliverer of the Hebrew people. Even while living in a time of oppression, Jochebed trusted God above fear and made decisions that impacted generations.
She descended from the tribe of Levi and was the wife of Amram. Her context was marked by the cruelty of Pharaoh, who ordered that all Hebrew baby boys be thrown into the Nile. It was in this climate of terror that Jochebed became pregnant and chose to protect her son, trusting that the Lord would guard his life against all odds.
The story of Jochebed
When Jochebed gave birth to Moses, she immediately perceived that there was something special about her child. The Bible says he was “beautiful,” but beyond that, there was a clear divine purpose over his life. Determined to save him, Jochebed hid him for three months, even though she risked death if discovered.
When she could no longer conceal him, she took an extraordinary step. She prepared a basket made of reeds, sealed it with tar, and placed it among the reeds of the Nile River. This act was not abandonment, but a gesture of complete faith in God, trusting that He would care for the child where her own hands could no longer reach.
Pharaoh’s daughter found the baby and, moved by compassion, decided to adopt him. In a providential outcome, Miriam, Moses’ sister, offered Jochebed as a nurse. In this way, Jochebed was able to raise her own son during his early years, teaching him his Hebrew identity and faith in the true God.
Years later, Moses would become the leader of Israel, freeing the people from slavery and guiding them toward the Promised Land. This entire plan began with the courage and faith of Jochebed, who risked everything to obey God.
The example and importance of Jochebed
Jochebed is a symbol of practical faith, maternal courage, and unshakable trust. She faced a genocidal decree and still chose to protect her child’s life. Her attitude shows that true faith is not passive; it acts, takes risks, and places itself in God’s hands.
Her example also highlights the power of maternal influence. Even though she raised Moses for only a short time, Jochebed managed to plant seeds of identity and faith in him that would shape his future mission. She reminds us that what we teach children remains, even when the world tries to shape them otherwise.
In addition, Jochebed shows how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary works. She held no prominent position, yet her act of courage affected the entire history of redemption.
The meaning of the name Jochebed
The name Jochebed (Hebrew Yokheved) means “The Lord is glory” or “Glory of God.” This meaning perfectly reflects her life, a woman whose character and actions exalted the greatness of God.
Facts about Jochebed
She was from the tribe of Levi, as were her children.
She was the mother of three great leaders: Moses (prophet), Aaron (high priest), and Miriam (prophetess).
Jochebed hid Moses even under the threat of death.
She used a waterproof basket to save her son, a symbolic gesture similar to Noah’s ark as an instrument of preserving life.
She raised Moses during his early years even after he was adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter.
Her actions demonstrate deep trust in God’s plan, even without seeing the final outcome.
Conclusion
Jochebed was a woman of resolute faith, whose love and courage saved Moses and opened the way for one of the greatest acts of deliverance in biblical history. Even in the face of oppression and fear, she remained firm, fully trusting in God.
Her life reminds us that the Lord uses willing, courageous, and faithful people to transform realities and fulfill His eternal purposes. Jochebed, the mother who risked everything, remains an example of faith, trust, and total surrender to the God who guards and guides history.
