In the grand narrative of the Bible, Moses stands as one of the most significant figures, often revered as the deliverer of Israel and the lawgiver who brought the Ten Commandments down from Mount Sinai. However, before Moses became this pivotal leader, he was a child born into a specific family, with parents who played a crucial role in his early life. According to the Bible, Moses' parents were Amram and Jochebed, members of the tribe of Levi.
The story of Moses' birth and his parents is primarily found in the book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 6:20. The verse states, "Amram married his father's sister Jochebed, who bore him Aaron and Moses. Amram lived 137 years" (NIV). This brief mention provides the essential genealogical information but leaves much to be explored about who Amram and Jochebed were and the environment into which Moses was born.
To understand the significance of Moses' parents, it's important to consider the historical and cultural context of their lives. The Israelites were living in Egypt, where they had initially found favor due to Joseph's high position in Pharaoh's court. However, over time, a new Pharaoh arose "who did not know Joseph" (Exodus 1:8). This Pharaoh viewed the growing population of Israelites as a threat and subjected them to harsh slavery. In an attempt to control their numbers, he decreed that all newborn Hebrew boys were to be thrown into the Nile River (Exodus 1:22).
It was in this perilous environment that Moses was born. Jochebed, his mother, is described in Exodus 2:2 as a woman who saw that her son was "a fine child" and decided to hide him for three months. When she could no longer conceal him, she crafted a basket made of papyrus reeds, coated it with tar and pitch, and placed it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile (Exodus 2:3). This act of faith and ingenuity not only preserved Moses' life but also set the stage for his eventual adoption by Pharaoh's daughter, which would place him in a unique position to later lead the Israelites out of bondage.
Jochebed's actions reveal her remarkable courage and faith. Hebrews 11:23 in the New Testament commends the faith of Moses' parents: "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." This verse highlights the spiritual insight and bravery of Amram and Jochebed, who trusted in God's providence despite the mortal danger they faced.
Amram, Moses' father, is mentioned less frequently in the narrative but is equally significant. As a member of the tribe of Levi, Amram was part of the priestly lineage, which would later be formalized when Moses' brother Aaron and his descendants were appointed as priests. Amram's role as the head of his family would have included the responsibility of maintaining their faith and identity as Hebrews in the midst of Egyptian oppression. His marriage to Jochebed, who was also of the tribe of Levi, ensured that their children would be raised with a strong sense of their heritage and calling.
The Levite background of Moses' parents is particularly noteworthy. The tribe of Levi would later be set apart for religious duties and service to God. This priestly heritage is reflected in Moses' life, as he not only led the Israelites out of Egypt but also received the Law from God and established the covenant relationship between God and His people. The spiritual legacy of Amram and Jochebed, therefore, had profound implications for the future of Israel.
The narrative of Moses' early life, including the role of his parents, is also enriched by Jewish tradition and other biblical references. For instance, in Numbers 26:59, we find another mention of Jochebed: "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." This verse not only reaffirms Jochebed's identity but also highlights the importance of Moses' siblings, Aaron and Miriam, who would both play crucial roles in the Exodus and the leadership of Israel.
Jewish tradition and extra-biblical literature provide further insights into the character and faith of Amram and Jochebed. For example, the Jewish historian Josephus, in his work "Antiquities of the Jews," describes Jochebed as a woman of remarkable piety and courage. Rabbinic literature also often portrays her as a model of maternal devotion and faith.
In reflecting on the significance of Moses' parents, it's clear that their faith, courage, and identity as Levites were instrumental in shaping Moses' destiny. Their actions not only preserved his life but also set the stage for the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites. The story of Amram and Jochebed serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that faithful and courageous parents can have on their children and, by extension, on the broader community and history.
The legacy of Amram and Jochebed is also a testament to the importance of faith in the face of adversity. Their story encourages believers to trust in God's providence, even when circumstances seem dire. It also underscores the value of preserving one's faith and identity in a hostile environment, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible and continues to be relevant for believers today.
In conclusion, Moses' parents, Amram and Jochebed, were more than just the biological progenitors of one of the greatest leaders in biblical history. They were people of profound faith and courage, whose actions had far-reaching implications for the history of Israel and the fulfillment of God's promises. Their story, though briefly mentioned in the Bible, is rich with lessons about faith, courage, and the enduring impact of parental influence.
