Yokhebed: Faith in a Basket

Among the women in the Bible who are often discussed, the name Yokhebed may rarely be heard. Yet from her we learn how strong faith can become the beginning of salvation for others. This is the story of Yokhebed, a brave woman determined to save her son, Moses, who would one day lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. (Exodus 2:1-10).

Yokhebed’s Strong Resolve

Yokhebed lay in the stillness of the night while holding her baby boy tightly. Her first child, Miriam, was a girl. Although she wanted a son, this time she hoped her child would also be a girl. For by Pharaoh’s command, all the midwives had to kill Hebrew baby boys. Perhaps Yokhebed had seen her friends try to hide their baby boys, only to fail when the infant’s crying broke out.

Three months, for an anxious mother, is a long time to hide a baby. Imagine, every time the child cried, Yokhebed had to cover his mouth to muffle the sound. Or when he whimpered, she had to quickly hold him close and nurse him.

Yet she had a deep desire and firm resolve to save her son. Even if it meant hiding the baby in a basket and setting it afloat on the Nile. Her effort could have been in vain. Something bad would happen sooner or later. Other mothers might have thought she was stubborn or foolish, but she did not care.

Yokhebed placed her baby in the river during the daytime. She watched from a distance, in case the child cried from hunger or thirst. Toward evening, she had to cross the river to pick up her baby and nurse him. Then she would place him back in the river before sunrise.

But how long could that plan keep working?

Yokhebed Entrusts Her Son to God

Even if her plan went smoothly, Yokhebed knew it would not last long. In the coming months, her baby would begin to sit up and crawl. He might tip over his basket and drown in the swift current of the Nile.

Yet, God had a plan for that baby—one that began even before Yokhebed’s pregnancy and his birth. And when God has a plan, nothing can stand in the way! What looked like a trial with no way out turned out to be the beginning of a triumphant story. All because a mother dared to take a step of faith.

Imagine when Yokhebed learned that her baby was under the protection of the most powerful person in Egypt—and that she was allowed to become the child’s nurse. Truly, a miracle upon miracles! It was by the loving grace and plan of God that the mother was given the chance to hold, watch over, kiss, and teach her own child during his growing years.

Although Yokhebed eventually gave her son to Pharaoh’s daughter, in truth she handed Moses over into the hands of God. God is full of love and wisdom, and He had a plan to redeem His people.

Learning from a Mother’s Faith

Reading Yokhebed’s story leaves me in awe of her faith. Here are two things we as parents can learn from the faith of Moses’ mother:

1. Take part in the best plan of God for our children

If Yokhebed had chosen to give up, sit still and wait for fate, or feel sorry for herself, perhaps Moses’ story would have ended differently.

There is a saying, “Do the best and let God do the rest.” Do your best and leave the rest to God. Yokhebed did not only do the best, but she also brought her faith, even  into a basket.

That faith brought the plan of God for her child to pass. Let us as parents take part in bringing about the best plan of God for our children.

2. Let go, and let God work

After making every effort, Yokhebed came to a point where she had to let go of her child.

Though it was painful and full of fears she had to face, she still placed her baby in a basket in the river. She let go of her son and let God work. When Yokhebed placed her hope in Him and looked to Him for help, God provided the best plan for her son.

As parents, do we already have faith in difficult circumstances that seem impossible for our children? Do we fight with all our strength to make sure our sons and daughters live in the Word? Do we strive to introduce the God we worship to our children?

Take one step of faith, like Yokhebed, and you will be amazed to see how God has a plan for our children! Amen.