Topical Encyclopedia The term "Daughter of Levi" refers to a woman from the tribe of Levi, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Levites held a special place among the Israelites, being set apart for religious duties and service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The most notable "Daughter of Levi" in the Bible is Jochebed, the mother of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.Jochebed Jochebed is introduced in the Book of Exodus as a daughter of Levi. She is married to Amram, a Levite, and together they have three children: Miriam, Aaron, and Moses. Her account is significant in the narrative of the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. During a time when Pharaoh had decreed that all Hebrew male infants be killed, Jochebed's faith and courage are highlighted. She hides her son Moses for three months and then places him in a basket among the reeds of the Nile River, trusting in God's providence. Exodus 2:2-3 states, "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." Jochebed's actions demonstrate her deep faith and trust in God, as well as her maternal instinct to protect her child. Her decision ultimately leads to Moses being discovered by Pharaoh's daughter, who raises him as her own, setting the stage for Moses to become the deliverer of Israel. Role and Significance The Levites, as a tribe, were chosen by God for special service. They were responsible for the care of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, and they played a crucial role in the spiritual life of Israel. As a daughter of Levi, Jochebed's lineage is significant, as it connects Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to the priestly and religious heritage of Israel. Aaron, her son, becomes the first high priest, and his descendants continue in the priestly line. The account of Jochebed and her children underscores the importance of faith and obedience to God's will. Her actions not only preserved the life of Moses but also contributed to the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the deliverance of their descendants from bondage. Biblical References · Exodus 2:1-10: The account of Jochebed hiding Moses and placing him in the Nile. · Numbers 26:59: A genealogical reference to Jochebed as the daughter of Levi, born to Levi in Egypt. · Hebrews 11:23: A New Testament reference to the faith of Moses' parents, highlighting their trust in God. Jochebed's account is a testament to the power of faith and the providence of God in the lives of His people. Her legacy is seen in the pivotal roles her children play in the history of Israel and in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. |