Moses, one of the most significant figures in the Bible, was born to Amram and Jochebed, members of the tribe of Levi. Their account is primarily found in the book of Exodus, with additional genealogical details in Numbers and Chronicles.

Amram

Amram, the father of Moses, was a Levite, a descendant of Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah. The Levites were set apart for religious duties and service to God, a role that would later be formalized in the Mosaic Law. Amram married Jochebed, who was also of the tribe of Levi, and together they had three children: Miriam, Aaron, and Moses. The genealogical record in Exodus 6:18, 20 states, "The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. Amram married his father's sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses."

Jochebed

Jochebed, the mother of Moses, is noted for her faith and courage. Her name means "Yahweh is glory," reflecting the deep faith of her family. In a time of great peril, when Pharaoh had decreed that all Hebrew male infants be killed, Jochebed took extraordinary measures to preserve the life of her son. Exodus 2:2-3 recounts, "When she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile."

Faith and Preservation

The faith of Moses' parents is highlighted in the New Testament. Hebrews 11:23 commends their actions: "By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was a beautiful child, and they were unafraid of the king’s edict." Their trust in God and willingness to defy the king's command demonstrate their deep commitment to God's purposes and their hope in His deliverance.

Legacy

The legacy of Amram and Jochebed is profound. Their children played pivotal roles in the history of Israel. Aaron became the first high priest, establishing the Aaronic priesthood, while Miriam is recognized as a prophetess and leader among the women of Israel. Moses, their youngest, was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, receive the Law at Sinai, and guide the people toward the Promised Land.

The account of Moses' parents is a testament to the power of faith and the providence of God in the midst of adversity. Their lives exemplify the importance of trusting in God's plan and the impact that faithful parents can have on future generations.