My Name Is Jochebed...
I am a woman who was placed in the direst of circumstances...as the mother of Moses...
Dear Faithful Companions,
My name is Jochebed, and you might recall my story from the Book of Exodus in your Holy Scriptures. I am a woman who was placed in the direst of circumstances, yet through faith and a mother's love, I was instrumental in the formation of a man who would shape the destiny of a nation.
I belonged to the tribe of Levi, born in Egypt during the time of Israelite oppression. Married to Amram, I was blessed with two children, Miriam and Aaron. However, our lives were overshadowed by a decree from the Pharaoh, demanding every newborn Hebrew boy be cast into the Nile. When I gave birth to my third child, a boy, my heart was fraught with fear for his life.
In desperation, I hid him for three months. But as he grew and his cries became louder, I could hide him no longer. In the face of such imminent danger, I placed my trust in God and devised a plan. I made a papyrus basket and, placing my baby inside, set it afloat in the Nile, praying for his safety.
God, in his abundant grace, steered the basket towards Pharaoh's daughter who moved by compassion, decided to adopt the child. In a divine turn of events, my daughter Miriam, who had been watching over her brother, offered to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby. That way, I was given the privilege to nurse and impart the knowledge of our God to my own son, whom Pharaoh's daughter named Moses.
Moses grew up to become one of the greatest leaders in our history, leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and towards the promised land. I rejoice in the knowledge that my faith, though tested, played a part in the fulfillment of God's plan.
As you tread your path of faith, remember my story. It bears testament to the fact that, even in the face of despair and fear, faith can yield miracles. The love and faith of a humble Hebrew woman can impact generations to come.
Trusting in His faithfulness,
Jochebed