The story of Moses is one of the most significant narratives in the Bible. He is known for leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and receiving the Ten Commandments from God. However, before he became the leader of God’s people, Moses was born into a family with a unique and powerful history. This article will explore who Moses’ father and mother were, the role they played in his life, and how they are remembered in the Bible.

Moses’ Birth and the Situation in Egypt

Moses’ birth took place during a time of great suffering for the people of Israel. The Israelites had been living in Egypt for centuries, but by the time of Moses’ birth, they had become slaves under a new Pharaoh. This Pharaoh feared the growing number of Israelites and ordered that all male Hebrew babies be killed. However, Moses’ parents, Amram and Jochebed, showed great faith and courage by defying the Pharaoh’s decree.

The Role of Moses’ Father: Amram

Amram is the name of Moses’ father, and he is mentioned several times in the Bible. According to Exodus 6:20, Amram was from the tribe of Levi. The Levites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel, chosen by God for special service, particularly in the priestly duties related to the tabernacle and later the temple.

Amram was married to Jochebed, and together they had three children: Miriam, Aaron, and Moses. The Bible does not give much detailed information about Amram, but we can infer that he was a man of faith. Despite the Pharaoh’s cruel decree, Amram and Jochebed chose to keep their baby, Moses, alive. In a dangerous act of faith, they hid him for three months before eventually placing him in a basket and setting him afloat on the Nile River, trusting God to protect him.

Amram is remembered as a faithful servant of God who obeyed God’s commands and upheld his role in the family and community, even in times of hardship. His obedience, alongside that of his wife Jochebed, laid the foundation for Moses’ future role as a leader of Israel.

The Role of Moses’ Mother: Jochebed

Jochebed, Moses’ mother, is a remarkable woman of faith. She is mentioned in Exodus 2:1-10 and Numbers 26:59, and while the Bible does not give a lot of details about her life, she played a key role in Moses’ survival and early life.

Jochebed, like her husband Amram, was a descendant of the tribe of Levi. She gave birth to Moses during a time when the Pharaoh had commanded that all Hebrew male children be killed. In faith and courage, she hid Moses for three months. However, when she could no longer hide him, she crafted a basket and placed him in the Nile River, hoping that God would save him.

It was through Jochebed’s faith and action that Moses was discovered by Pharaoh’s daughter, who adopted him and raised him as her own son. However, Jochebed had the opportunity to nurse Moses, as Pharaoh’s daughter agreed to let the child’s own mother care for him. This allowed Jochebed to influence Moses’ early life and teach him about his Hebrew heritage before he was raised in the Egyptian palace.

The Importance of Moses’ Family Background

The family of Moses played an essential role in shaping who he became as a leader. Moses’ parents, Amram and Jochebed, instilled in him a sense of identity and faith. Although Moses was raised in the Egyptian palace, he never forgot his Hebrew roots. His family’s influence helped him understand his purpose and mission to free the Israelites from bondage.

The Bible speaks highly of Moses’ upbringing. In Acts 7:20-22, it is mentioned that Moses was “mighty in words and deeds,” which reflects the education and values he received. This education would have come from both his biological parents and the Egyptian royal family that raised him.

Moses’ Siblings: Miriam and Aaron

Alongside Moses, Amram and Jochebed had two other children: Miriam and Aaron. Both Miriam and Aaron played significant roles in Moses’ life and the story of the Exodus. While this article focuses on Moses’ parents, it is essential to briefly mention the contributions of his siblings.

Aaron: Moses’ Brother

Aaron, Moses’ older brother, is perhaps best known as the spokesperson for Moses when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In Exodus 4:14-16, God appointed Aaron to be Moses’ mouthpiece, as Moses was hesitant to speak eloquently. Aaron was also involved in performing miracles before Pharaoh to demonstrate the power of God, such as turning his staff into a serpent and bringing plagues upon Egypt.

Miriam: Moses’ Sister

Miriam, Moses’ older sister, is often remembered for her pivotal role in watching over baby Moses when he was placed in the basket on the Nile River. In Exodus 2:4, she followed the basket from a distance and suggested to Pharaoh’s daughter that she find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child, which led to Jochebed being able to nurse and care for Moses. Miriam also led the women of Israel in singing and dancing after the crossing of the Red Sea in Exodus 15:20-21.

The Legacy of Moses’ Parents

While Amram and Jochebed are not as well-known as Moses himself, their legacy is vital in understanding the story of the Exodus. They were courageous and faithful parents who chose to protect their child at great risk. Their trust in God’s plan for Moses set the stage for the miraculous events that would unfold in the years to come.

Amram and Jochebed’s faithfulness reminds Christians of the importance of trusting in God’s plan, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. They played a crucial role in the early life of Moses, whose leadership would eventually guide the Israelites out of Egypt and into freedom. Their commitment to God’s will and their devotion to their family serve as an example for all believers.

Conclusion

Moses’ father and mother, Amram and Jochebed, are two figures in the Bible whose faith and courage had a lasting impact on the history of Israel. Though they did not receive as much attention as Moses, their role in shaping his life cannot be underestimated. Through their trust in God, they ensured that Moses would survive the Pharaoh’s evil decree and grow up to fulfill his destiny as a leader and prophet.

In the end, the story of Moses’ parents teaches us the value of faith, obedience, and trust in God’s plan. Even in difficult circumstances, God can use ordinary people like Amram and Jochebed to accomplish extraordinary things. Through their actions, they laid the foundation for the great work that Moses would one day do in leading the Israelites out of slavery and into freedom. Their story is one of faithfulness that continues to inspire believers today.

Who Was Moses’ Father and Mother in the Bible?