Women of Valor: Jochebed, A Wise and Discerning Mother

by David Chadwick

First mentioned in Exodus 6:20, Jochebed is our next woman of valor.

Jochebed was the mom of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. As the story unfolds in Exodus 2:1-10, she gave birth to Moses knowing the Pharaoh had issued an edict for all Hebrew male babies to be killed.

With a heart of wisdom, she decided to hide Moses in the bulrush. One day, Pharaoh's daughter, who we will learn more about in a couple of days, discovers Moses while bathing in the Nile River.

Miriam, Moses’s sister, watched as everything unfolded. The daughter approached the Pharaoh's daughter and asked if she would like for her to find a Hebrew nursemaid to nurse the baby. Amazingly, by God’s providence, the Pharaoh’s daughter agreed to the proposition. Miriam fetched her mother, Jochebed, to nurse baby Moses in safety!

Have you noticed how shortsighted we can be in believing in the greatness of God? In spite of the fact that Moses had to be hidden in the face of possible death, God figured out a way to return him back into the hands of his mother for nourishment and comfort. What a mighty God we serve! His overarching providence of his world is perfect.

I have to believe Jochebed knew that the baby Moses was special. Hebrews 11:23 says that Moses was a “beautiful child,” meaning urbane, gifted, and most likely already carrying characteristics of a leader. Like many moms do, I would imagine Jochebed discerned these qualities in her son even as a baby!

God has a sovereign, providential plan for his world. Moses was a part of that plan and so God protected him, using people like Jochebed to carry out his story. Jochebed was an essential part of that plan!

God is not looking for ability, but availability. May we all remain available to whatever God asks of us in whatever way he wants to use us in accomplishing his plan for the earth!