Topical Encyclopedia Moses, a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, is renowned for leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. However, one of the lesser-discussed episodes in his life involves a significant controversy with his wife, Zipporah, concerning the circumcision of their son. This incident is recorded in Exodus 4:24-26.Biblical Account The narrative unfolds as Moses, having been commissioned by God at the burning bush, is en route to Egypt to demand the release of the Israelites. The Berean Standard Bible recounts the event as follows: "Now at a lodging place along the way, the LORD confronted Moses and was about to kill him. 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 4:24-26). Context and Interpretation This passage, though brief, is dense with theological and cultural implications. The act of circumcision was a critical covenantal sign given to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 17:10-14). It symbolized the Israelites' unique relationship with God and their commitment to His covenant. Moses, as the leader chosen to deliver God's people, was expected to adhere strictly to this covenantal sign. The text suggests that Moses had neglected to circumcise his son, which was a serious breach of the covenant. The LORD's confrontation with Moses indicates the gravity of this oversight. The suddenness and severity of the divine threat underscore the importance of obedience to God's commands, especially for those in leadership. Role of Zipporah Zipporah's decisive action in circumcising her son and touching Moses' feet with the foreskin is pivotal. Her intervention not only averts the immediate danger to Moses but also fulfills the covenantal requirement. Her statement, "Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me," has been the subject of much scholarly debate. It reflects the tension and perhaps the cultural differences between Zipporah, a Midianite, and the Israelite customs. Zipporah's role highlights the importance of women in the biblical narrative, often acting as agents of divine will. Her understanding of the situation and swift action demonstrate her commitment to Moses and, by extension, to the God of Israel. Theological Implications This episode serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which God regards His covenants. It emphasizes the necessity of obedience to divine commands, particularly for those called to lead His people. The incident also illustrates the potential for familial and cultural tensions when adhering to God's requirements, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative. In the broader context of Moses' life, this controversy underscores the human struggles and imperfections even among God's chosen leaders. It serves as a testament to God's grace and the importance of covenantal faithfulness in the life of believers. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 4:20-26And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them on an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand. Nave's Topical Index Library Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... The Author's views Respecting the Celebration of Easter, Baptism ... Index of Subjects. The Perpetual virginity of Blessed Mary. Faustus Fails to Understand Why He Should be Required Either to ... Paul in Corinth. Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came ... On the Words Incarnate, and Made Man. Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ... James the Brother of the Lord. Resources In what ways was Moses like Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Moses have to wear a veil? | GotQuestions.org How old was Moses when he died? How long did Moses live? | GotQuestions.org Moses: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Moses Moses is a Herdsman for Jethro in the Desert of Horeb Moses with Aaron Assembles the Leaders of Israel Moses with his Wife and Sons, he Leaves Jethro to Perform his Mission in Egypt Moses: A Levite and Son of Amram Moses: Appoints Joshua As his Successor Moses: Benedictions of Last Benediction Upon the Twelve Tribes Moses: Benedictions of Upon the People Moses: Character of Called the Man of God Moses: Character of Complainings of Moses: Character of God Spoke To, As a Man to his Friend Moses: Character of Impatience of Moses: Character of Magnanimity of, Toward Eldad and Medad Moses: Character of Magnified of God Moses: Character of Meekness of Moses: Character of Obedience of Moses: Character of Respected and Feared Moses: Character of Unaspiring Moses: Commissioned As Leader of the Israelites Moses: Composes a Song for the People of Israel on Their Deliverance from Pharaoh Moses: Crosses the Red Sea; Pharaoh and his Army are Destroyed Moses: Discovered and Adopted by the Daughter of Pharaoh Moses: Has the Vision of the Burning Bush Moses: Hidden in a Small Basket Moses: His Controversy With his Wife on Account of Circumcision Moses: His Loyalty to his Race Moses: His Rod Miraculously Turned Into a Serpent, and his Hand Was Made Leprous, and Then Restored Moses: Institutes a System of Government Moses: Jealousy of Aaron and Miriam Toward Moses: Joined by his Family in the Wilderness Moses: Joins Himself to Jethro, Priest of Midian Moses: Learned in all the Wisdom of Egypt Moses: Meets Aaron in the Wilderness Moses: Mourning For, Thirty Days in the Plains of Moab Moses: Not Permitted to Enter Canaan, But Views the Land from Atop Mount Pisgah Moses: People Complain Against Moses and Aaron Moses: Present With Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration Moses: Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Against Moses: Receives Comfort and Assurance from the Lord Moses: Rejected by Pharaoh; Hardships of the Israelites Increased Moses: Renews his Appeal to Pharaoh Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Irregularity in the offerings Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Making the Golden Calf Moses: Secures the Deliverance of the People and Leads Them out of Egypt Moses: Takes the Life of an Egyptian Taskmaster Moses: Under Divine Direction Brings Plagues Upon the Land of Egypt Mutiny: Israelites Against Moses Related Terms Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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