Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Zipporah is a significant yet often understated figure in the Old Testament. She is best known as the wife of Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Exodus, and she plays a crucial role in the early life of Moses and the unfolding of God's plan for the Israelites. Family Background: Zipporah was the daughter of Jethro, also known as Reuel, the priest of Midian (Exodus 2:16-21). The Midianites were descendants of Abraham through his wife Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2), which places Zipporah within a lineage that had knowledge of the God of Abraham. Jethro, her father, is depicted as a wise and God-fearing man, which likely influenced Zipporah's own faith and understanding. Marriage to Moses: Moses fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian and settled there, where he met Zipporah. He defended her and her sisters from shepherds at a well, which led to his introduction to Jethro's family. Moses was invited to stay with them, and he eventually married Zipporah (Exodus 2:21). They had two sons, Gershom and Eliezer (Exodus 18:3-4). Role in Moses' Life: Zipporah's most notable biblical episode occurs in Exodus 4:24-26, during Moses' journey back to Egypt. The Lord sought to kill Moses, but Zipporah intervened by circumcising their son and touching Moses' feet with the foreskin, saying, "Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me" (Exodus 4:25). This act appeased the Lord and spared Moses' life. This incident highlights Zipporah's quick thinking and her crucial role in ensuring the continuation of God's mission through Moses. Return to Midian and Reunion: After the circumcision incident, it is implied that Zipporah and her sons returned to Midian, possibly due to the dangerous nature of Moses' mission in Egypt. They are later reunited with Moses after the Exodus, when Jethro brings them to meet Moses at Mount Sinai (Exodus 18:2-6). This reunion underscores the importance of family and the support system that Zipporah provided to Moses. Legacy and Significance: Zipporah's account, though brief, is rich with cultural and theological implications. Her actions demonstrate the importance of obedience to God's covenant, as seen in the circumcision of her son. Her presence in Moses' life provided him with familial support and connection to the Midianite priestly tradition, which may have influenced his leadership and spiritual insights. Zipporah's narrative also highlights the role of women in the biblical text, showing that they were active participants in God's plan. Her account is a testament to the strength and faithfulness required to support a leader like Moses, and her legacy is preserved through her sons, who continued the lineage of Moses. Smith's Bible Dictionary Zipporah or Zipporahdaughter of Reuel or Jethro, the priest of Midian, wife of Moses and mother of his two sons Gershom and Eliezer. (Exodus 2:21; 4:25; 18:2) comp. Exod 18:6 (B.C. 1530.) The only incident recorded in her life is that of the circumcision of Gershom. (Exodus 4:24-28) Strong's Hebrew 6855. Tsipporah -- "bird," Moses' wife... 6854, 6855. Tsipporah. 6856 . "bird," Moses' wife. Transliteration: Tsipporah Phonetic Spelling: (tsip-po-raw') Short Definition: Zipporah. ... Zipporah. ... /hebrew/6855.htm - 6k Library Of Circumcision and the Supercession of the Old Law. Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of ... Child's Story of the Bible The Blessing of God on Filial Piety. The Wonderful Estate of Matrimony. Illustrations Moses in Midian. Come Rest, and be Still in the Bosom of Thy Mother, Son of the ... Letter Lii. To Nepotian. How Moses and Aaron Returned into Egypt to Pharaoh. Resources Who was Jethro in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Eliezer in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Cushites? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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