Why did the Lord seek to kill Moses in Exodus 4:24? Setting the Scene Exodus 4 records Moses’ return trip to Egypt after his burning-bush commission. He is carrying the staff of God, signs and promises in hand, and his family is with him. Then, in the lodging place on the way, the narrative jolts us: “Now at a lodging place on the way, the LORD met Moses and sought to kill him.” (Exodus 4:24) The Lord’s Sudden Confrontation • The Hebrew text is blunt—God “met” (literally “encountered”) Moses “and sought to kill him.” • The same God who just called Moses is now opposing him. Scripture presents no contradiction; rather, it exposes an unresolved covenant breach. What Had Moses Done Wrong? • Circumcision was God’s covenant sign given to Abraham: “Every male among you must be circumcised … it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.” (Genesis 17:10-11) • Any uncircumcised male was to be “cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.” (Genesis 17:14) • Moses had failed to circumcise at least one of his sons (Exodus 4:25). The deliverer of Israel was himself in violation of the foundational covenant. Why This Issue Was So Serious • Covenant fidelity mattered more than leadership credentials. Moses could not represent a holy God while neglecting God’s explicit command. • Divine justice is impartial; God shows no favoritism—even toward His chosen servant (Deuteronomy 10:17). • The mission ahead involved the Passover, which likewise required circumcision for participation (Exodus 12:48). Moses’ house had to be in order before he could lead the nation. • God’s swift discipline underscores His holiness (Leviticus 10:3). Delayed obedience is disobedience. Zipporah’s Swift Action • “Then Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin, and touched it to Moses’ feet, saying, ‘Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me.’ So He let him alone.” (Exodus 4:25-26) • Zipporah’s act satisfied the covenant requirement on the spot. • Her phrase “bridegroom of blood” likely expresses shock and relief—acknowledging that covenant blood secured Moses’ life. Timeless Lessons for Believers Today • God’s commands are not suggestions; neglect invites discipline (Hebrews 12:6). • Spiritual leaders must model obedience before they can effectively serve (1 Timothy 3:4-5). • Partial obedience stumbles ministries; wholehearted obedience restores them (1 Samuel 15:22). • Blood covenant undergirds deliverance—ultimately fulfilled in Christ (Matthew 26:28). Summary: The Heart of the Matter The Lord sought to kill Moses because Moses had disregarded the covenant of circumcision, placing himself outside God’s protective promises. God’s holiness demanded immediate correction, which Zipporah supplied by circumcising their son. Once the covenant sign was honored, the Lord relented, and Moses could proceed as the faithful deliverer of Israel. |
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