Topical Bible: Family: Infelicity in Moses and Zipporah

◄ Family: Infelicity in Moses and Zipporah ►

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The relationship between Moses and Zipporah, as depicted in the Bible, provides a complex portrait of family dynamics and infelicity within a marriage. Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro (also known as Reuel), a priest of Midian, became Moses' wife during his exile from Egypt. Their union is first mentioned in Exodus 2:21, where it is noted that "Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage."

The most notable incident highlighting the tension in their marriage occurs in Exodus 4:24-26. As Moses was on his way back to Egypt, the LORD confronted him and sought to kill him. The text states: "But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin, and touched it to Moses’ feet. 'Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,' she said. So the LORD let him alone. (At that time she said 'bridegroom of blood,' referring to the circumcision.)" (Exodus 4:25-26). This passage suggests a moment of crisis and misunderstanding between Moses and Zipporah, possibly due to differing cultural or religious practices regarding circumcision.

The incident reveals several layers of infelicity. First, there is the immediate life-threatening situation that Moses faces, which Zipporah resolves through a decisive and somewhat dramatic action. Her words, "bridegroom of blood," indicate a sense of frustration or resentment, possibly reflecting her feelings about the ritual or the circumstances that led to this emergency. This moment underscores the potential for conflict when familial and religious duties intersect, especially in a cross-cultural marriage.

Further evidence of strain in their relationship is seen in Exodus 18, where Jethro brings Zipporah and their two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, to Moses after the Exodus from Egypt. The text implies that Zipporah and the children had been sent back to her father's house at some point, suggesting a separation during a critical period in Moses' mission. Exodus 18:2-3 notes, "After Moses had sent back his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro had received her, along with her two sons."

The reasons for this separation are not explicitly stated, but it may reflect the challenges Moses faced as the leader of the Israelites and the potential difficulties in balancing his familial responsibilities with his divine mission. The reunion orchestrated by Jethro may indicate an attempt to reconcile and restore family unity.

The narrative of Moses and Zipporah, while brief, highlights the complexities and challenges inherent in marriage, especially when compounded by cultural differences and the demands of leadership. It serves as a reminder of the importance of communication, understanding, and compromise within the family unit, even among those chosen for significant divine purposes.

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Exodus 4:25,26
Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband are you to me.
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