Numbers 26:59
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 26:59
59 And the name of Amram's wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom her mother bare to Levi in Egypt: and she bare unto Amram Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister.
Chapter Context
Numbers 26 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, covenant, love. Written during Israel's wilderness period (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The wilderness journey occurred between Egypt's dominance and the Canaanite tribal systems.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-65: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Numbers and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Numbers 26:59
59 And the name of Amram's wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom her mother bare to Levi in Egypt: and she bare unto Amram Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister.
Analysis
The name of Amram's wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi—this staggering detail means Moses's mother was Levi's daughter, making her Amram's aunt (Exodus 6:20). Such unions were later forbidden (Leviticus 18:12), but before Sinai, they preserved Levitical purity. Jochebed (יוֹכֶבֶד, "YHWH is glory") bore the name of God—rare for pre-Mosaic times.
And she bare unto Amram Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister—three siblings who led the Exodus. A basket-making mother, a stammering son, a leprous daughter, and a son who made a golden calf (Aaron) changed world history. God uses broken families for glorious purposes. Jochebed's womb produced Israel's three foundational leaders.
Historical Context
Jochebed defied Pharaoh's infanticide decree (Exodus 1:22), hiding Moses three months before placing him in the Nile. Her faith (Hebrews 11:23) saved Israel's deliverer. This census, 80+ years after Moses's birth, records her name with honor. The midwives and Moses's mother—women of faith—preserved the nation.
Reflection
- How does Jochebed's name ("YHWH is glory") reflect her faith in hiding Moses, trusting God's glory would prevail over Pharaoh's decree?
- What does the production of three major leaders from one family teach about godly parenting's generational impact?
- How does Jochebed's inclusion in a military census demonstrate that God values faithful mothers as much as warrior sons?
Cross-References
- References Moses: Exodus 6:20