Moses is an iconic figure in the Old Testament of the Bible, described in the book of Exodus as leading the Hebrews, who were enslaved by the Egyptians, to freedom. One element of the biblical narrative that is often left out is the story of who Moses’ father was. To truly understand Moses’ plight, it is essential to understand that not only did he have to rely on extraordinary faith and courage to fulfill his destiny, but he also had to come to terms with a unique family background and the stigma that he faced.
It is first mentioned in the book of Exodus that Moses’ parents were from the Hebrew Tribe of Levi; his father Amram and his mother Jochebed. Amram’s ancestry hails from the great patriarch Abraham (who was legally married to Sarah), but his father was the infamous Jacob (who was also known as Israel). Jacob had twelve sons who in turn fathered the twelve tribes of Israel; the biblical tribe of Levi being among them.
Moses’ story took a twist when Pharaoh sought to ensure the Hebrews would never leave Egypt, ordering that all Hebrew baby boys be killed upon their birth. In order to prevent her son’s death, Moses’ mother Jochebed did something remarkable; she placed Moses in a basket and placed him in the Nile near the portion where Pharaoh’s daughter would be washing the river. When Pharaoh’s daughter found the baby, she took pity on him – assuming him to be a Hebrew baby – and decided to adopt him as her own son, hence, bringing Moses into Pharaoh’s Palace.
As Moses grew up, surely aware of his unique heritage, he struggled to cope with a perplexing identity crisis. He felt conflicting pressures of his Jewish roots on one hand and a deep sense of belonging to the Pharaoh’s Palace on the other. Most likely this inner condition made it difficult for him to commit completely to the idea of God guiding his people to a Promised Land, something he would contemplate and reignite in a later stage of his life.
It was not until Moses was eighty years old when God appeared to him in the form of a burning bush. Miraculously, the bush was not consumed. Through the burning bush, God commanded Moses to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt and return them to the Promised Land. Ultimately, Moses was the one chosen by God “to free His people from their slavery in Egypt” and his father Amram was critical in helping him achieve this goal, by providing him support, direction and hope.
In retrospection, it can be argued that Amram’s influence and understanding of God’s will was essential for Moses to take on the crusade. His message was simple but powerful: “It was about a God-given Promise for us to continue to be a people and build our own nation. So my son, I know it will not be easy…but it is not impossible. God will be with you”.
Textual Analyses of the Exodus Story
The relationship between Amram and Moses can be explored in further depth through an analysis of relevant variations of their story found in the main biblical texts contained in the book of Exodus. According to the narrative presented by the text, “Moses’ father Amram was a God fearing man and wanted to ensure his son would understand and respect his faith”. Amram was also described as being a wiseman, firmly believing in the spirit of justice, and the idea of being just and merciful as God was.
The text also highlights how Moses adopted his father’s values which were critical in initiating and continuing the march to freedom. Moses’ respect for justice and mercy were certified when he assisted two sisters in defending their claim over a well, saved a Hebrew man from being killed by an Egyptian officer, and later mediated between his people and Pharaoh for the release of the Hebrews from bondage.
It can be argued that without receiving crucial guidance and advice from his father, Moses’ mission to take his people to a land of freedom would have been impossible. Indeed, it is suggested that Moses’ respect and admiration for his father was so great that he followed in his footsteps and “led his people in faith and courage to the Promised Land”.
What Does the Bible Say?
When it comes to the Bible, it is important to consider what it says concerning Moses’ father Amram. References to him in the Bible are scattered across various genres. He first appears in the book of Genesis, as the son of Kohath and grandson of Levi, and from that brief account, we can derive Amram was of the same ancestry as Moses. In other contexts, such as the book of Numbers, Amram is described as being a respected leader of the Hebrews who aimed “to restore justice and mercy among his people”.
Moreover, Amram is referred to in the book of Exodus as being an elder who strongly believes in the prophecy of God. Thus, through further textual examination from the Bible itself, it becomes clear Amram and Moses’ story is not merely a background tale, but a crucial piece in the narrative of Moses – as it shows the true purpose of Moses’ mission and sheds light on different characters involved.
The Role of Historical Context
It is worth noting that, beyond the biblical narrative, the historical context surrounding the story of Moses’ father Amram is key in understanding the relevance of his place in the story. In antiquity, the Jewish people were facing increasing difficulties and oppression due Pharaoh’s rule so, in order to ensure the survival of their race, they sought the intervention of a leader. This is where Moses came into the considerations – a strong potential candidate to lead them, not only because of his divine connections, but also because of his father’s wisdom and advice.
What is also remarkable is that Amram’s commitment to ensuring his son’s survival meant he was willing to risk his own legacy as a wise leader and had faith in God’s divine plan even when it seemed all was lost. His deed was a statement of divine power and dedication, making it all the more powerful when Moses took on the mission his father believed in years earlier.
A Summary of the Significance of Amram
The role of Moses’ father in the Bible is an often overlooked piece of the narrative. Focusing on his importance, it is evident that Amram was not just involved in ensuring his son’s protection, but was also critical in helping him understand his purpose and lead the Hebrews to freedom. His message was one of faith in the promised land and justice for the Hebrews and it is through his wisdom that Moses succeeded in his mission.
Many scholars have noted that without the understanding and courage that Amram imparted to Moses, he would have never taken on the crusade. Furthermore, Moses’ respect for his father was so great that he followed in his footsteps and his legacy remains a cornerstone in Jewish faith today.
The Impact of the Story of Moses’ Father on Religion
The story of Moses’ father plays an essential role in the progression of Jewish faith, as it empowers individuals to uphold justice, remain faithful and support each other’s journey in life. To this day, Amram’s story is celebrated among the Jewish people for his remarkable courage and love for his son. For instance, in the Jewish Festival of Passover, the story of Moses’ father is part of the Seder service and its celebration is used to raise awareness of the power of justice, mercy and faith.
In addition to its role in Judaism, Amram’s story has also had a great influence on other denominations of Christianity and religious practices, so much so that, in many parts of the world, it has become a source of inspiration and continues to be celebrated. His legacy, as described in the Bible, still resonates today, as the importance of justice and mercy, as well as faith, has been embraced by many different faiths.
The Significance of Amram in Contemporary Times
The role of Moses’ father as detailed in the Bible remains a source of inspiration in contemporary times. Scholars note that, particularly in times of difficulty and adversity, individuals may look to Amram’s story as a source of hope, understanding and courage. It is often used as an example to help teaching the importance of family and how respecting each other’s differences, faith and beliefs can help nurture strong connections between people and help spread justice and mercy.
Perhaps, if everything is taken into consideration, Amram’s story may be viewed as one of hope and justice that is still being used today in religious and non-religious contexts. By remembering the powerful story of his faith and courage, modern-day individuals may be able to draw upon it for guidance and strength as well.
