Jochebed: The Mother of Moses and Her Legacy of Faith
Author: Vanessa Rooney
Vanessa is an Australian LDS lifestyle blogger. Landed in Salt Lake City, Utah, from the sun kissed beaches of Bondi, Australia, Vanessa is a wife and mother of three children.
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The Bible introduces us to many incredible figures, but few stories capture the power of a mother’s love and faith like that of Jochebed, the mother of Moses. Her courage and unwavering trust in God played a pivotal role in the deliverance of Israel. Jochebed’s story is a testament to how ordinary actions, rooted in faith, can align with God’s extraordinary plans.
In this blog post, we’ll explore Jochebed’s story, her act of faith, and the powerful lessons we can draw from her life. Plus, we’ve included printable worksheets to help you reflect on her legacy and how it applies to your own faith journey.
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Who Was Jochebed?
Jochebed was a member of the tribe of Levi, known for their role as priests and spiritual leaders in Israel. She was the wife of Amram and the mother of three remarkable children: Aaron, Miriam, and Moses. Her story takes place during one of Israel’s darkest times—the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, and Pharaoh had issued a decree that all male Hebrew infants must be killed (Exodus 1:22).
Despite the oppressive circumstances, Jochebed displayed extraordinary faith and courage. She is first mentioned in Exodus 2:1-10, where we see her taking extraordinary measures to save her youngest son, Moses.
Jochebed’s Act of Faith
Her Courageous Decision
When Jochebed gave birth to Moses, she saw that he was no ordinary child (Exodus 2:2). Recognizing his potential and trusting in God’s plan, she defied Pharaoh’s decree by hiding him for three months. This decision was not just an act of maternal love but also one of profound faith.
Hiding a newborn was no easy task. Every cry, every sound could have put her family in danger. Yet Jochebed persisted, believing that God had a purpose for her son’s life.
The Basket in the Nile
When she could hide Moses no longer, Jochebed made a daring choice. She placed him in a papyrus basket coated with tar and pitch to make it waterproof and set it among the reeds along the Nile River (Exodus 2:3). This act required immense trust in God. By releasing Moses into the river, she surrendered him to God’s care, believing He would protect him.
Jochebed’s ingenuity in crafting the basket and her choice of location near Pharaoh’s palace show her wisdom and resourcefulness. She trusted that God would intervene in a miraculous way—and He did.
God’s Providence in Jochebed’s Story
Pharaoh’s Daughter Finds Moses
In an extraordinary turn of events, Pharaoh’s daughter discovered the basket and was moved with compassion upon seeing the crying infant. Miriam, Jochebed’s older daughter, watched from a distance and courageously approached Pharaoh’s daughter, offering to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child. Jochebed was then reunited with Moses, able to nurse and care for him while he grew (Exodus 2:7-9).
Jochebed’s Influence
Although her time with Moses was limited, Jochebed undoubtedly used it to instill faith and identity in her son. She nurtured him physically and spiritually, preparing him for his eventual role as the deliverer of Israel. Her faithfulness during this brief period laid the foundation for Moses to become one of the greatest leaders in biblical history.
Lessons from Jochebed’s Life
1. Faith in God’s Plan
Jochebed trusted God even when circumstances seemed impossible. Her faith reminds us that God’s plans are often beyond our understanding but always for His glory and our good.
2. Courage in the Face of Fear
Defying Pharaoh’s decree was an act of immense bravery. Jochebed’s story encourages us to stand firm in our convictions, even when the world seems against us.
3. God’s Providence in Our Efforts
Jochebed’s decision to release Moses into the Nile aligned with God’s greater plan for his life. Her story reminds us that God works through our actions, even when we can’t see the outcome.
4. Parenting with Purpose
Jochebed’s influence on Moses during his early years likely shaped his faith and identity. Her story challenges parents to use every moment to instill Godly values in their children.
How Jochebed’s Legacy Inspires Us Today
Jochebed’s story is not just for parents but for anyone facing challenges that require faith and trust in God. Whether it’s entrusting your children to God, taking a leap of faith in a difficult situation, or standing up for your beliefs, Jochebed’s life serves as a powerful example of courage and reliance on God.
Reflection Questions
- How does Jochebed’s faith inspire you to trust God in uncertain situations?
- What challenges in your life require the kind of courage Jochebed demonstrated?
- How can you use your current circumstances to make an impact for God’s kingdom, even if the results are not immediately visible?
Practical Applications
- Identify one area in your life where you need to surrender control to God. Take a step of faith, trusting that He will guide the outcome.
- Encourage someone in your life who may need a reminder of God’s faithfulness. Share Jochebed’s story as a source of inspiration.
- If you’re a parent, consider how you can instill faith and godly values in your children through your words and actions.
Lessons from Jochebed
Scripture Study
- Read Exodus 2:1-10: What stands out to you about Jochebed’s actions to protect Moses?
- Reflect on Hebrews 11:23: How does this verse highlight Jochebed’s faith?
Reflection Questions
- When have you faced a situation where you had to trust God completely?
- How can Jochebed’s courage inspire you to stand firm in your faith today?
Creative Exercise
- Write a short prayer of surrender, asking God for the courage to trust Him in difficult circumstances.
- Imagine you are Jochebed placing Moses in the basket. Write a journal entry about your thoughts and feelings in that moment.
Practical Application
- Identify one step you can take this week to act in faith, even if the outcome is uncertain.
Memory Verse
- Hebrews 11:23: “By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.”
Conclusion
Jochebed’s story is a powerful reminder that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Her courage, faith, and trust in God’s plan not only saved Moses but also set the stage for the deliverance of an entire nation. May her story inspire you to act in faith, trust God with your challenges, and leave a legacy of courage and obedience.
Want more? Download our Jochebed Bible Study Workbook.
Want More? Read Our Series Of Women In The Old Testament
May God Bless You,
Vanessa Rooney – LDS Mum
