Jocabed. I'm not sure if her name is even mentioned in the Bible or if we must look to historical documents to find this woman. She is commended for her faith, along with her husband, for hiding her child from the hand of the Egyptians.
I love the story of Moses for many reasons. As a mother, I can't help but read the Bible through "mother" lenses. Having just taught some of the story in my son's two-year-old class, I am struck by the typical truths conveyed. Moses' mommy trusted God. She put Moses in a basket in the river. God kept him safe. The princess found him. Moses saved God's people. It all seems to have a happy ending - except perhaps for Jocabed.
Yes, her son lived. She was blessed to train him up until the age of probably three and then he was gone to all the riches, wealth and influences of Egypt. Yes, she probably enjoyed seeing him here and there during the next 40 years. We really don't know what relationship might have continued with his "wet nurse." Was her faith stretched, wondering why God spared her son only to become an Egyptian?
I only imagine her mother's heart cry when she heard he stood up for his fellow Hebrew brothers but killed an Egyptian. Then, his exile. 40 years of silence. Gone. The Bible does not choose to tell us if Moses' parents were alive at his return around age 80. No such celebration is noted. We know his siblings were alive and part of his return as redeemer. It is likely that Jocabed never saw the fruition of God's decree. Her trial was far from over when she, by faith, placed that three month old baby boy in a basket in the Nile. Her trial was merely unfolding.
By faith we deliver our babies, despite the world's voice to kill them. Be faith we raise our sons and daughters in the Word, pointing them to the One Moses foreshadowed, Christ. By faith, we pray and weep and pray trusting in God's good hand to bring about His sovereign decrees for our sons and daughters. Do not despair, oh mother, in the years of desert and exile. God's plans will not be thwarted.
By faith, Jocabed....
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