Numbers 26:59 - Levi's daughter births redemption's leaders

Join Our Newsletter To Be Informed When New Videos Are Posted

Join the thousands of fellow Studends who rely on our videos to learn how to read the bible in Hebrew for free!

Hebrew Text

וְשֵׁם אֵשֶׁת עַמְרָם יוֹכֶבֶד בַּת־לֵוִי אֲשֶׁר יָלְדָה אֹתָהּ לְלֵוִי בְּמִצְרָיִם וַתֵּלֶד לְעַמְרָם אֶת־אַהֲרֹן וְאֶת־מֹשֶׁה וְאֵת מִרְיָם אֲחֹתָם׃

English Translation

And the name of ῾Amram’s wife was Yokheved, daughter of Levi, whom her mother bore to Levi in Miżrayim: and she bore to ῾Amram Aharon and Moshe, and Miryam their sister.

Transliteration

V'shem eshet Amram Yokheved bat-Levi asher yaldah otah l'Levi b'Mitzrayim vateiled l'Amram et-Aharon v'et-Moshe v'et Miriam ahotam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשֵׁ֣ם ׀ אֵ֣שֶׁת עַמְרָ֗ם יוֹכֶ֙בֶד֙ בַּת־לֵוִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָלְדָ֥ה אֹתָ֛הּ לְלֵוִ֖י בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם וַתֵּ֣לֶד לְעַמְרָ֗ם אֶֽת־אַהֲרֹן֙ וְאֶת־מֹשֶׁ֔ה וְאֵ֖ת מִרְיָ֥ם אֲחֹתָֽם׃

Parasha Commentary

Introduction to Yokheved

The verse introduces Yokheved, the wife of Amram and mother of Aharon, Moshe, and Miryam. Rashi (on Shemot 6:20) notes that Yokheved was born "in Mitzrayim," emphasizing that she was conceived before Yaakov's family descended to Egypt but born after their arrival. This detail is significant because it connects her to both the era of the Avot and the beginning of the exile.

Yokheved's Lineage

The Torah specifies that Yokheved was the daughter of Levi, making her part of the priestly tribe even before the formal establishment of the Kehunah. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:13) highlights that she was born "as the Israelites entered Egypt," symbolizing the transition from freedom to servitude. Despite being born into exile, she became the matriarch of the future leaders of Israel.

The Children of Yokheved and Amram

Aharon: The firstborn, who would become the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). The Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 67) notes that Aharon's name reflects his destined role—"Aharon" is related to "har" (mountain), alluding to Har Sinai, where he would serve.
Moshe: The redeemer of Israel. Rashi (on Shemot 2:10) explains that Pharaoh's daughter named him Moshe ("drawn from the water"), but the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:26) teaches that his true name, given by his parents, reflected his future mission.
Miryam: The prophetess and leader in her own right. The Talmud (Sotah 12a) recounts that Miryam prophesied her mother would bear the savior of Israel, leading to Moshe's birth.

Yokheved's Role in Jewish Tradition

The Talmud (Bava Batra 120a) identifies Yokheved as one of the few women in Tanach who merited divine assistance in childbirth due to her righteousness. She is also praised in Midrashim for her faith during Pharaoh's decree against male infants, as she defied the order by hiding Moshe (Shemot Rabbah 1:19). Her name, Yokheved ("Hashem is glory"), reflects her unwavering trust in Hashem even in exile.

Lessons from the Verse

This verse teaches the importance of righteous lineage and the hidden potential within exile. Despite being born into slavery, Yokheved raised children who would lead the Jewish people to freedom. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 6:1) emphasizes that one's environment does not determine destiny—Yokheved's devotion ensured her children would transcend their circumstances.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 12a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the lineage of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, emphasizing their noble ancestry from the tribe of Levi.

📖 Bava Batra 109b

Mentioned in the context of discussing family lineage and inheritance, highlighting the importance of Yokheved as the mother of Aaron, Moses, and Miriam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Yokheved in the Torah?
A: Yokheved was the wife of Amram and the mother of Moshe (Moses), Aharon (Aaron), and Miryam (Miriam). She was the daughter of Levi, born to him in Egypt (Numbers 26:59). According to the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:13), she was a righteous woman who played a crucial role in Jewish history by raising these three great leaders.

Q: Why is Yokheved mentioned by name in this verse?
A: Yokheved is mentioned by name to highlight her importance as the mother of Moshe, Aharon, and Miryam—three central figures in the Exodus and the Jewish people's journey. The Talmud (Sotah 11b) praises her righteousness, noting that she defied Pharaoh’s decree by saving Jewish babies, including Moshe. Naming her emphasizes the role of righteous women in Jewish tradition.

Q: What is the significance of Yokheved being Levi's daughter?
A: Yokheved’s lineage as Levi’s daughter connects her to the tribe of Levi, which later became the priestly tribe (Kohanim and Levi’im). Rashi (on Exodus 6:20) explains that this clarifies Moshe and Aharon’s priestly lineage. The Midrash (Tanchuma, Vayakhel 6) also notes that Levi’s descendants were known for their devotion to Torah, which influenced Yokheved’s righteous character.

Q: How old was Yokheved when she gave birth to Moshe?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 12a) states that Yokheved was 130 years old when she gave birth to Moshe, based on calculations from the Torah’s timeline. This miraculous birth is seen as a reward for her righteousness, showing that nothing is impossible for Hashem when fulfilling His promises.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Yokheved's life?
A: Yokheved teaches us about courage, faith, and resilience. Despite Pharaoh’s decree to kill Jewish babies, she trusted in Hashem and saved Moshe, who would later redeem the Jewish people. The Midrash (Exodus Rabbah 1:15) highlights her as a model of Jewish motherhood—raising children who became leaders. Her story reminds us that even in difficult times, our actions can shape the future.