She is mentioned by name only twice in the Bible, in Exodus 6:20 and Numbers 26:59. Most Bible readers don’t even know her name!
The testimony of her life tells us it is not so much who you are but what you do with your life, how you meet life’s crises and responsibilities, that matter! Jochebed was a woman of God, used greatly by God because she did not allow crisis in her life to overcome her or her family. Jochebed had the unique opportunity to raise three leaders!
This remarkable woman was unknown by man, but known by God. Her life speaks loudly through her children. Although Jochebed was born into slavery, she had kept her faith in God and His faithfulness to His people! Her husband was with her in faith, yet it was Jochebed who set God’s plan in motion. A plan that would not only save her son but also deliver a nation!
Hebrews 11:23 gives us the key to deliverance.“By faith Moses when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command.” What did they see? As she looked at her baby, she knew God had a plan for her son. She did not know exactly what that plan was, but she knew that God gives life. “The thief does not come except to steal, kill and to destroy. I have come that they might have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
As a woman of God, Jochebed had set a standard for her life. When crisis hit her family, she did not fall apart but had faith in God to make the way of escape. The Scripture stated, “by faith because they saw.” As they took their stand, God was able to reveal to her a very simple plan of deliverance. Much depended on her faith and trust in God to keep peace in the situation, so she could be prompted by God.
The plan was simple, based on things she already possessed.
A simple basket made into a life preserver. We know it was God’s idea because of its simplicity! Her problem was not a stumbling block but a stepping stone for a greater opportunity, deliverance of a nation! Did Jochebed realize the significance of what was happening? Just as we have to take each step in faith and don’t know the overall plan, I believe she was in the same position. Her utmost thoughts at this time was to preserve the life of her child.
The same river that brought death to many Hebrew children, preserved life for Moses. His parents had made a commitment to God, and this gave them the strength to say, “we will not bow to man, but we will trust in our God!” Moses was rescued, his future secure. God had provided the way for Jochebed to care for her son openly, paid for by the man who had tried to kill her child! “For I brought you up from the land of Egypt, I redeemed you from the house of bondage, and I sent before you Moses, Aaron and Miriam” (Micah 6:4).
It is unlikely in human history that three children of one mother ever had such an influence at the same time in the earth. Truly her life speaks through her children. As you read and study her testimony, you will be encouraged and your faith in God strengthened. She was listed in the “heroes of faith.” A housewife and mother, not bound by natural thinking, as she prepared and led her children into the plans and purposes that God had for their lives. Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt physically, but it all started when his mother made a spiritual decision to trust her God and not bow to man and his ways!
Study the life of this woman of God and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal truths from God’s Word that will set you free! I believe a key in this testimony is her commitment. She was committed to God, and the circumstances in her life did not alter that commitment. Living in slavery, under the ruler of this world, the Lord was able to lead her through the trial. Truly a woman of God who knew how to grow roses from the thorns of life!
Joyce Tilney is an author, blogger and founder of Women of God Ministries.
