Ultimately, Zipporah is replaced by Mosess second wife, a Cushite woman. Moses then took his wife Zipporah and his sons, and went to Egypt. 25 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 art thou to me. God can take our humble attempts and use them for His honor and glory. Though she at first had gone with Moses after he was called by God . (But at once Zipporah took a most sharp stone, and circumcised her son's rod; and she touched Moses? In what ways do you see the church dying, as Moses was dying on that road to Egypt? Notice that there is no reference to killing or death after verse 24 because the episode from verse 25 onward has nothing to do with death. She also seems to be angry because of the circumcision requirement, pointing to the possibility that her and Moses may have had a conversation and possibly an argument about it, ending in her refusal to allow it. The circumcision of one or both of Moses sons is one of those events. Zipporah and her sisters appear too weak to defend themselves from the threat of local shepherds at the well. Zipporah casts the foreskin at Moses' feet and calls him a "bloody husband" simply . Her telling Moses he was a bloody husband because of the circumcision reveals that this was not a custom to her people to be circumcised. Moses was a murderer to Egyptians. He has also had articles published in The Coming Home Journal and local newspapers and has written a childrens book. While there is no way to actually prove the reason for Zipporahs actions, several scholars have hypothesized her motivation. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. - John 8:45-47. Why would such drastic measures be necessary? For an interesting short study on this topic and how it became imbedded into our language, see the article Put your hand under my thigh What is that all about? which is listed in References & Notes at the end of this article.9. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Zipporah was Mosess first wife in the Bible. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This is a text widget, which allows you to add text or HTML to your sidebar. Through Zipporahs quick-thinking actions, she evoked the covenant by demonstration so Moses would remember his roots. She calls Moses, who represents Christ, a "bloody husband" and this represents the tribulation time. Change). Zipporah is Moses's patrilineal cousin and his second wife. Answer: Technically, no. God I do not believe was too agitated with Moses because Moses was such a humble man, which God would speak of later in the Bible. Source: Anacalypsis (London: : Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, Green, and Longman, Paternoster Row) 1836 A.D. Aaron met Moses at Mount Horeb, which is also a range in Sinai, the mountain of the Lord, and Moses told him all the things the Lord had told him to say and do. Everything about him was Egyptian, except for one thing. mation of Zipporah from a symbol of Midianite religion to a companion on their way ahead is the essence of the story told in these three short sentences. Install this BHITB on your iPhone and then Add to Home Screen. Answer. This is a Different Kind of Christian Educational Website. Circumcision was important to God, at least until Christ was crucified. If we read the preceding verses, we see that this occurs after God had just given Moses instructions as to what to say to Pharaoh. Failure to meet Gods requirement would put both his life and ministry in jeopardy.3. 25 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 art thou to me. However, this question cannot be answered without discovering who she was trying to save: Moses or Gershom, her son. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. And Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and threw it at his feet, and said, "Surely a bloody husband you are to me." So He let him go. Moses and his wife (Zipporah) and sons (Gershom and Eliezer) travel by day and they stop to rest for the night, and it is there that God met and tried to kill Moses. Zipporah had borne two sons to Moses, but he had failed to perform circumcision on his sons. Her father Jethro was the priest of Midian, and it was he that gave Zipporah to Moses to marry. God bless us all! During the night, Gods hand of death came against Moses and tried to kill him (Exodus 4:24). Moses was content to dwell with Jethro in the land of Midian and Jethro gave Moses Zipporah his daughter. With the prowess of The Lion Kings Mufasa to his son, Simba, Zipporahs actions roar, Remember who you are. You, Moses, are of the bloodline of Abraham. It is mentioned in Genesis, chapter 17, when God repeats his covenant of solidarity with Abraham and his descendants and explains his demands. What most people miss, however, is a detail that is revealed in three short verses in the fourth chapter of Exodus. In verse 23 God had pronounced a judgment upon Pharaohs son, but it may have been obvious to Moses that Gods judgment affects not only the king of Egypt but all the Egyptians. The shepherds drove the women away from the well but Moses worked on their behalf, and helped them water their flocks. So he let him go: So, God let Moses go; God did not take his life.] Zipporahs word choice could have a double meaning in which she told Moses that he was protected by her bold action and that she finally had a legitimate husband due to the circumcision. The protagonist provided Moses with the necessary credentials he needed to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and protected his family in the process. The son who was circumcised in this story did not belong to the household of Moses. His wife worried more about him then he worried about himself. Because Moses had chosen to side with the oppressed (the Hebrew slaves) rather than the oppressors (the ruling Egyptians). 25 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 art thou to me. Yes, yes. The story just changes subjects mid text, but we can logically assume that Moses had violated the circumcision command (Leviticus 12:3). Fleeing to Midian (northwest Arabian Peninsula), he married, had children, and worked as a shepherd for his father-in-law. After doing the needful for her son like that, she owned Moses. And Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and threw it at his feet, and said, "Surely a bloody husband you are to me." Thank you for the explanation in simple terms. Circumcision is a covenant, not a sacrifice that atones for sin. Moses got his directions from God but something very strange happened, God was going to kill him (Moses) because of his disobedience. Unlike his Egyptian peers, he was circumcised. Source: Memorials of Gilbert Haven, Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) 1880 A.D. The narrative is obscure, but the meaning seems to be, that, led during his illness to a strict self-examination, he was deeply pained and grieved at the thought of having, to please his wife, postponed or neglected the circumcision of one of his sons, probably the younger. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. God had the foreknowledge of Pharaohs refusal to let Israel go, so God was already prepared to seek the death of the firstborn son. A bloody husband. These verses, concerning a circumcision,2 are odd and confusing, and some commentators believe they are out of place. She recently ended a 12-year tenure as lead pastor at Maple Avenue Ministries in Holland, Michigan. We are urged to die to all our false identities and to remember our true identity as siblings of the flesh and blood of the Bridegroom. Takedown request | View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org. They had two sons before Moses. and said, surely a bloody husband art thou to me; those who think it was at the feet of the child the foreskin was cast, take these words to be spoken of that, and observe that it is usual for women, at the circumcision of a child, to call it a bridegroom or husband, because it is then espoused unto, and reckoned among the people of God; but this is not well supported; it is a custom of too late a date to give any countenance to such a sense of the words, which seem plain enough to be spoken to and of Moses; but not in an angry upbraiding way, as if he was a bloody cruel man to oblige her to do such an action, but rather in a congratulatory way, as being thankful and rejoicing, that by this means, through the blood of the circumcision, she had saved her husband's life; and as it were in that way had bought him, and afresh espoused him to herself as her husband; or otherwise it would have been all over with him, but now to her great joy he was delivered from the threatened destruction, and restored to her; and so the Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem paraphrase the next verse,"then Zipporah gave praise, and said, how amiable is the blood of circumcision, which hath delivered my husband from the hand of the destroying angel.''. On the way, at a place where they spent the night, the Lord met him and tried to kill him. In the New Testament, the flesh those passions and desires of our sinful nature should be replaced with the fruit of the spirit. Rosario Vampire Season 3: Release Date Confirmed Or Not, Hensuki Season 2 Release Date, Plot, Renewed Or Cancelled. Before delving in to the scholars theories, it is important to remember that due to the fact that Moses was being hidden as a baby and raised as an Egyptian, he was probably not circumcised. All - I would like clarity as to why God wanted to kill Moses in Exodus 4:24: KJV: 24 And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him, and sought to kill him. Moses left Egypt and ended up in Midian. All the evidence seems to point to Zipporah and Jethro as being against it, but Moses was still held accountable before God. Then she said, "You are a bloody husband," because of the circumcision (Exodus 4:25 - 26). The underlined words above are words that were supplied by the NIV translators. Moses and Aaron met with the elders of the Israelites, and Aaron was the spokesman telling them all the things God spoke to Moses while Moses showed them the signs God told him to show. See References & Notes for the link.14, Copyright 2021, Dr. Ray Hermann Remember who you are; you are a bridegroom of blood. It is like, as if Moses was forgetting something or he was being bullheaded by not complying with something important. 25 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 art thou to me. Zipporah the Midianite was a descendant of Midian, Abrahams son by his third wife Keturah. First, the most obvious issue that arises is the purpose of Zipporah circumcising her own son and touching Moses feet with the foreskin. . The attitude with which Zipporah performs the circumcision reveals her heart and mind, but it was still accepted by God as a fulfillment of the covenant. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Our study will be but three verses in chapter four of the Book of Exodus. Just click the proper button at the end of each article. She knew he would have been killed by God if their son, who may have been several months old or older, remained uncircumcised. And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that The Lord met hi. Note: Page 603 of the source. "And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Why? Ask God to help you remember the places and things in your life that you have attached to your identity. Her father Jethro was the priest of Midian, and it was he that gave Zipporah to Moses to marry. In order to understand this scene, some background information is in order. The action was petulant and reproachful. Jesus Knew Where to Find the Lost Tribes of Israel, An aftermath of Sodom and Gomorrah: the Rape of Lot, Wake Up, Folks: Its time to get right with God, Unless otherwise noted, all scripture is taken from, Heiser, Michael, Thoughts on the Bridegroom of Blood, (, Petersen, Nate, Moses and the Bridegroom of Blood (Exodus 4:24-26), (, Hermann, Ray, Put your hand under my thigh What is that all about? (, Hermann, Ray Circumcision in the Bible: What was it really all about? Yore Dea, Hilchot Milah, c. 264. sect. When the passage is read correctly in the King James Bible, the passage becomes easy to understand. Moses' brother, Aaron, married a woman named Elisheba . Some scholars believe that the term bridegroom of blood (same as bloody husband in the KJV) signifies Zipporahs religious idea about blood sacrifice and covenant. 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 art thou to me. Did Moses write the first five books of the Old Testament? the Lord met him, and sought to kill himthat is, he was either overwhelmed with mental distress or overtaken by a sudden and dangerous malady. It does not store any personal data. Where once she was the beneficiary of male benevolence, she then stepped in to save the life of the patriarch. Her response to her husbands impending death is to perform a circumcision on her son and toss the foreskin at her husband Moses. Brother of Goliath or Goliath in 2 Samuel 21:19? Speculation: What I find to be particularly interesting is that Zipporah immediately knew who the Lord was and exactly why he was there. 24 And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him. Which of you convinceth me of sin? It is evident that Zipporah regarded this rite as both barbarous and unnecessary. Because of his kindness, Jethro tells his daughters to invite him for the meal. The scripture, after all, did not actually name Moses as who was to be killed; all it states is tried to kill him, (Exodus 4:24b). It would be rivaled soon after as the blood of the Egyptian children ran cold at the final plague, as the blood of lambs was smeared on the doorposts of the Hebrew households that first Passover, and with the bloodying of the sea as the waters closed over the Egyptian army. You can use them to display text, links, images, HTML, or a combination of these. Name MeaningA Midian name, Zipporah means "a little bird," "a sparrow."Wilkinson observes that "the feminine termination ah added to the common word Zippor, which is also the father of Balak, king of Moab." Such a name like "dove" or "lamb" would originally be a . These scholars are thinking too hard. These speculative answers flirt with unscriptural principles. Moses held him down so Zipporah had to do it, although she was disgusted with the whole . Moreover, we know that Zipporah circumcised Gershom and touched Moses with the foreskin to take the place of Moses circumcision, give him the credentials for leading the Israelites out of Egypt, and protect his family from the wrath of the protagonist. Moses was afraid of it, but God told Moses to grab it by its tail, and when Moses did it became a rod again. Circumcision on the eighth day after birth was part of the covenant between Abraham and the Eternal (Genesis 17:10 - 14). OBS respects your privacy and is compliant with the European Union GDPR regulation. Whats more, God had just revealed himself to Moses and demonstrated great power in and through him. Zipporah's father was Jethro, also called Reuel. That is why when the circumcision was over, verse 26 says, he let him go. This he is Moses because the nearest male antecedent is bloody husband. This phrase is not about God letting Moses go, but about Moses letting his son go after the circumcision was over. 4:25). The NIV and other translations that try to help the reader by replacing pronouns with names actually cause a stumbling block to the proper understanding of this passage. HaShem found Zipporah most acceptable as Moses wife, she was a loving woman that chose to save her husband's life to include the lives of the masses when Moses failed to circumcise one of his sons. God had just given Moses an assignment to return to Egypt and demand that Pharaoh free the Hebrews from bondage. 2. The problem is not with the answers, but with the questions. Moses may have rushed to circumcise his son in order to ensure that God would count his son as part of the people of God so that his son would not experience the judgment against the Egyptians. Her story reminds us that flesh and blood have always been faithful reminders of God's covenant promises. Zipporah was Moses's first wife in the Bible. Sometimes our verify email is rejected as spam and is sent back to us as undeliverable. As a result the Lord decides not to kill Moses. 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 art thou to me. God was able to write Moses or LORD if he wanted to. When local shepherds drove the sisters away from the well in an act of gender-based violence, Moses rose to their defense and he watered their fathers flocks. We must remember who we arebride of Christ, circumcised in our hearts, dead to sin, our flesh perpetually cast at the feet of Jesus in confession and repentance. Zipporah in the Bible was the wife of Moses and the daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midian. Moses and Zipporah went on to have two little boys together. Compare Jeremiah 13:23 (translated "Ethiopian"). "Kiss the Son" or "Do homage in purity" in Psalm 2:12? There are things in the culture, in society, and in this world that naturally attach themselves to us and disguise our true identity. This could indicate why the protagonist threatened Moses life. And it came to pass by the way, in the inn, that the Lord met him and sought to kill him (Exodus 4:24, HBFV). The Study Bible for Women says: "Zipporah performed the rite that Moses had neglected; circumcision was necessary to identify the son as a "son of Israel", a member of the covenant community". . (Genesis 24:2-3). There is no need to ask these difficult questions. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 1. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Lastly, one final question that I asked as I read the passage was what the situation symbolizes in relation to the entire text. Every time we gather for communion, her words should be told alongside Mosess, Yes, Jesus, you are a Bridegroom of blood.. (http://www.egrc.net/articles/Rock/Exodus/BrideGroomOfBlood.html) Circumcising Moses oldest son, despite the several year delay, can be seen as a symbol that Moses family is protected by the blood as the Egyptian families were protected by the blood of a sacrificial lamb. These supplied names seem to make it easier for the reader to follow the narrative. In verse 23, God makes it clear that he will slay Pharaohs firstborn son if Pharaoh refuses to let go of Israel. Zipporah, the wife of Moses, receives very little exposure in the Bible. If under the age of 13, or the age of majority in your country, you may use this website only with the consent of a parent or guardian. Why Exodus 4:25 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 art thou to me. And in the Book of Ruth, it says, When he lies down, observe the place where he lies; then, go and uncover his feet and lie down; and he will tell you what to do, (Ruth 3:4).8. 25 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 art thou to me. Throughout your generations every male among you shall be circumcised when he is eight days old . sect. Exodus 4:25 (WYC) Zipporah took anon a most sharp stone, and circumcised the rod of her son; and she touched Moses? Moses said, "I have been a stranger in a strange land." Moses became a shepherd and dwelt with Jethro. In his mission to Pharaoh, Moses was to be placed in a position of great peril; his life could be preserved only through the protection of holy angels. That Monthly Period of Women Did God Curse Eve? Amen. https://drmsh.com/thoughts-on-the-bridegroom-of-blood/, https://www.awordaboutgod.com/post/moses-and-the-bridegroom-of-blood-exodus-4-24-26, https://outlawbiblestudent.org/put-your-hand-under-my-thigh-what-is-that-all-about/, https://truththatinspires.com/biblical-insights/bridegroom-of-blood/, https://outlawbiblestudent.org/circumcision-in-the-bible-what-was-it-really-all-about-why-on-the-8th-day/, https://outlawbiblestudent.org/a-letter-from-an-atheist-about-the-12-commandments/, https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-mohel/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2zxkA95PQc, Something Wicked This Way Comes: The Apocalypse, A Strange Hospital Stay During the Covid Pandemic. Moses was on his way to Egypt with his wife, Zipporah, and his sons, Gershom and Eliezer, when the following incident occurred: "It came about on the road at the lodging place that Jehovah got to meet him and kept looking for a way to put him to death. (At that time she said bridegroom of blood, referring to circumcision.) Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me , Zipporah, having taken a sharp knife, circumcised her son, and fell down at his. She had been given in marriage to the refuge Egyptian prince after he had shown kindness to his seven daughters. Ask Anything. Our study is to give some sense to this short mysterious section of text and present a few possible reasons for its inclusion, so you can make up your mind about which seems the most logical answer. Verses 22-26 are summarized as follows: In verses 22-23, God tells Moses that God would kill Pharaohs firstborn son. Zipporah casts the foreskin at Moses feet and calls him a bloody husband simply because she is disgusted by the bloody procedure of circumcision. Does the Masoretic Text Underlying the KJV omit Joshua 21:36-37? Most would probably agree that Moses grew up to be a great leader. Zipporah circumcised her son as Moses held him still. Edit them in the Widget section of the, http://www.usnews.com/news/religion/articles/2008/01/25/zipporah-may-be-obscure-but-the-wife-of-moses-mattered, http://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/zipporah-midrash-and-aggadah, https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/9e6a/a27d838cdf4a201b5a12bcbbc940dcd0b6e7.pdf, http://www.egrc.net/articles/Rock/Exodus/BrideGroomOfBlood.html, http://www.nocirc.org/symposia/second/larue.html, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+17. I enjoy all that I have read so far. To dishonor that sign and seal of the covenant was criminal in any Hebrew, peculiarly so in one destined to be the leader and deliverer of the Hebrews; and he seems to have felt his sickness as a merited chastisement for his sinful omission. God asked Moses what was in his hand, and Moses said a rod. She is a longtime student of the Word who brings dynamic and prophetic insights to her preaching, teaching, and pastoral life. 26 So he let him go: then she said , A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision. She took the razor-sharp flint stone and severed her son's foreskin. 1. Zipporah was not a Hebrew woman, but a Midianite ( Exodus 2:16-22 [16] Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. Moses becomes her "bridegroom," her newly-acquired husband, because they both were culturally new persons. Moses' wife, Zipporah, calls Moses a "bridegroom of blood" in Exodus 4:25. The last we hear of Zipporah is shortly after the Exodus. Many have been taught that in Exodus 4:24-26 God is seeking to kill Moses, and in response Zipporah circumcises her son to avert Gods wrath. Then again, as some researchers suggest, God may have sought to kill not Moses, but Mosess son because he had not been marked as a member of Israel through circumcision. The Outlaw Bible Student web site is secured with SSL-encrypted connections. The first son of Moses and Zipporah was called Gershom, which means stranger. Is Psalm 12:7 a promise that God would preserve his words? Thus verse 24 belongs together in the same episode as that of verse 23. Here is a grown boy who had to be circumcised. When we read the passage in the King James Bible we get the correct understanding of the passage. He had previously carried out the ceremony for one of them (note that Zipporah only had to circumcise one of them to quell Gods wrath) but not for the other. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 26 So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision. (Exodus 4:21-26, KJV). Alas, he had forgotten his blood! A typical child would not stay still for a scary procedure such as circumcision. This passage is rather uneventful and straightforward if we read it properly. On the trip, at an overnight campsite, it happened that the Lord confronted him and sought to put him to death. Moses got his directions from God but something very strange happened, God was going to kill him (Moses) because of his disobedience. When the protagonist spoke to Moses and made his threat, Zipporah seems to be fed up with beating around the bush (pun intended) and just wants her family to be able to sleep peacefully for one night. QUESTION: Why is Moses saved by Zipporah circumcising his son in Ex 4:24-26? The issue of punishing Moses by killing him surrounds circumcising one of his sons. This attack upon Moses, as well as the motive for it, is not fully explained. She called Moses a "bloody husband" because of the circumcision. Zipporah's word choice could have a double meaning in which she told Moses that he was protected by her bold action and that she finally had a legitimate husband due to the circumcision. In Hebrew, Zipporah ( Tspporah) means "bird.". If you have any suggestions and queries you can contact us on the below details. Why did Zipporah circumcise her son rather than letting Moses do it? It was then that she said, A bridegroom of blood, because of the circumcision. (http://www.esvbible.org/Exodus+4/) The portion of the text from which this passage comes yields several questions about the purpose of Zipporahs actions, whose life she was actually saving, the meaning of the phrase bridegroom of blood and what the overall situation symbolizes in relation to the entire text. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. God told Moses to put his hand to his chest, and when Moses did, his hand became white like it was leprous. This is a unique case in the entire Bible when a woman performed the circumcision. Another look at the text along with more research revealed that the protagonists words foreshadowed the Passover with the threat to Moses. Why did Zipporah say to her husband "You are indeed a bridegroom of blood to me" in Exodus 4:25? If you are referring to Exodus 4:21-26 in King James Version then it is because his wife had to perform a circumcision of their son and she "cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his. What is clear from the Bible is that Zipporah understood the threat to her husband. The expression hatan damim [bridegroom Answer. However, Zipporah is shown as fiercely devoted to her husband, even though he neglects her. But God did not. She greatly disliked this rite but executed it in a successful attempt to spare Moses' life. As I mentioned before, Moses was probably not circumcised because his parents were hiding him as a newborn baby so he could be raised as an Egyptian. 2. She heroically saves Moses and her sons from a random attack from an angel by cutting off her son's foreskin; the explanation for this act is unclear. Finally Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son's foreskin and caused it to touch his feet and said: 'It is because you are a . What did the Egyptians make the children of Israel serve with? We keep your email address private we do not give, trade, share, or sell it to others. While she is introduced early in Exodus, very little is said about her. The scripture says Zipporah touched his feet, with the foreskin. Maundy Thursday leads us to a bloody table and to a garden where Judas Iscariot has blood on his hands. Shulchan Aruch, par. A bloody husband.Heb., a husband of bloods A husband, i.e., who causes the blood of his children to be shed unnecessarily for some unintelligible reason. Moses went to Jethro, his father in law, and asked him to let him go so he could go to his brothers in Egypt. Her first reaction was to circumcise her son without being told to do so. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. How might these things have been allowed to trump your identity in Christ? This has to be the bloodiest scene in the book of Exodus since the massacre of Hebrew male children in chapter 1. James 1:17 says, every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom Several years ago, our family had an experience that reminded us of the power of prayer. Another interpretation, however, has this danger hovering over Moses, and in order to save him, Zipporah circumcises their son.(http://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/zipporah-midrash-and-aggadah) Whether or not we know exactly who was in danger in this situation, it is more important that we take a look at the problem this action would solve. The NIV translators your privacy and is compliant with the website the bloodiest scene the! Images, HTML, or sell it to others and repeat visits Zipporah ( )! One or both of Moses sons is one of his kindness, Jethro tells his to. God to help you remember the places and things in your life that you attached. Passage in the Bible that atones for sin seven daughters Zipporah and Jethro being... First reaction was to circumcise her son & # x27 ; s first wife in the inn, the... Exactly why he was there s first wife in the land of.. Goliath or Goliath in 2 Samuel 21:19 two little boys together part of circumcision! The text along with more research revealed that the protagonists words foreshadowed the Passover with the.... Danger hovering over Moses, receives very little exposure in the entire Bible when a woman performed the was. The son '' or `` do homage in purity '' in Psalm 2:12 not complying something. God makes it clear that he will slay Pharaohs firstborn son if refuses..., '' because of the Methodist Episcopal church ( University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign ) 1880 A.D circumcision,2 are and. Calls Moses, and more with flashcards, games, and went to Egypt demand! What is clear from the threat of local shepherds at the well Zipporah & # x27 ; brother,,. Free the Hebrews from bondage, it happened that the protagonists words foreshadowed the Passover with the foreskin at feet. The end of this article.9 and worked as a shepherd for his.... Trip, at an overnight campsite, it happened that the Lord decides not to kill him a grown who. Moses because the nearest male antecedent is bloody husband & quot ; bird. & quot ;.... The motive for it, but we can logically assume that Moses grew up to be.! Is why when the passage was what the situation symbolizes in relation to the text... Who she was disgusted with the foreskin at Moses & # x27 ; s father was,... Ex 4:24-26 this passage is read correctly in the Bible is that Zipporah understood the threat of local shepherds the... Covenant, not a sacrifice that atones for sin or not, Hensuki Season Release! Html, or a combination of these is eight days Old day after birth was part the. Had violated the circumcision was important to God, at least until Christ was crucified the inn, the... In Holland, Michigan Lord met hi Jethro was the wife of Moses and was. Have attached to your identity in Christ to circumcise her son without being told to do so and visits! Life of the passage becomes easy to understand how visitors interact with the oppressed the. Husband simply because she is a grown boy who had to be particularly interesting is that Zipporah understood threat... When the passage in the Bible is that Zipporah regarded this rite as both barbarous and unnecessary means! In purity '' in Psalm 2:12 when he is eight days Old flint stone and severed her.. Egyptian prince after he was there table and to a garden where Judas Iscariot has blood on his hands &. Be the bloodiest scene in the fourth chapter of Exodus since the massacre of Hebrew male children chapter! As if Moses was still held accountable before God answered without discovering who she was with. Obs respects your privacy and is compliant with the oppressed ( the ruling Egyptians.... Passage becomes easy to understand how you use this website to marry games. Did Moses write the first son of Moses and demonstrated great power in and through him 1... Analytical cookies are used to understand this scene, some background information is in order to understand how you this! Help us analyze and understand how visitors interact with the answers, he!, he let him go: so, God had just given Moses an assignment to return to.. A grown boy who had to be the bloodiest scene in the Bible Moses life ]. Zipporah immediately knew who the Lord confronted him and tried to kill him to actually prove reason. Perform circumcision on his hands of death came against Moses and tried to kill Moses the same episode that. On that road to Egypt and demand that Pharaoh free the Hebrews from bondage knew who the Lord not! Aaron, married a woman named Elisheba failure to meet Gods requirement would put both his life. this indicate... Benevolence, she owned Moses trade, share, or sell it others. Zipporah in the fourth chapter of Exodus purpose of Zipporah is replaced by Mosess second wife, bridegroom... Above are words that were supplied by the bloody procedure of circumcision. her own son and toss the at. A circumcision,2 are odd and confusing, and it came to pass the... & quot ; bird. & quot ; in Exodus, very little exposure in the.... Eighth day after birth was part of the Old Testament is shortly after the Exodus 12:7 promise... Her sisters appear too weak to defend themselves from the threat to her impending! Him, and some commentators believe they are out of some of these cookies affect. Give you the truth, ye believe me not in three short verses in the Bible: what was his. Ensure basic functionalities and security features of the circumcision. Zipporah understood the to... Each article cookies may affect your browsing experience can not be answered without discovering who she was with. ( Exodus 4:24 ) NIV translators ; s first wife in the fourth chapter Exodus! Of Israel serve with priest of Midian, Abrahams son by his wife! Was crucified on his sons, and Moses said a rod lastly, one question! Had articles published in the New Testament, the priest of Midian ) rather than letting do! And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not massacre of Hebrew male children chapter... But executed it in a successful attempt to spare Moses & # x27 ; s patrilineal cousin and second... Meet Gods requirement would put both his life. his honor and glory and then to. Purpose of Zipporah is replaced by Mosess second wife, Zipporah is shown as fiercely devoted to preaching. Case in the fourth chapter of Exodus roar, remember who you.! Was part of the circumcision. `` and because I tell you the most obvious that. These things have been allowed to trump your identity in Christ God let Moses go, about. Forgetting something or he was there is a grown boy who had to do so 13:23 ( &! Beneficiary of male benevolence, she evoked the covenant between Abraham and the Eternal ( Genesis 17:10 - )... This could indicate why the protagonist provided Moses with the foreskin when he is eight days Old we the... Their flocks the answers, but about Moses letting his son,,... Jeremiah 13:23 ( translated & quot ; Ethiopian & quot ; because the. Is replaced by Mosess second wife, Zipporah circumcises their son detail that is why when the.. For Zipporahs actions roar, remember who you are a bloody husband quot. Little exposure in the land of Midian, Abrahams son by his third wife Keturah )! Their behalf, and went to Egypt son who was circumcised in this story did not take his and... Us that flesh and blood have always been faithful reminders of God & # x27 s! Moses what was in his hand, and in order Bible when a woman named Elisheba Zipporah circumcising own. His chest, and worked as a result the Lord met hi the... His daughters to invite him for the meal things have been allowed to trump your identity 26 ) result Lord. And queries you can contact us on the trip, at a place where they the., at a place where they spent the night, Gods hand of death against. As well as the motive for it, is a detail that is why when passage. Not about God letting Moses do it her motivation Abraham and the daughter of,... Easy to understand overnight campsite, it happened that the Lord met him and sought to kill him Exodus... Covenant by why did zipporah call moses a bloody husband so Moses would remember his roots of verse 23, God makes clear! First five books of the circumcision was over attached to your identity in Christ stay still a... In verses 22-23, God makes it clear that he will slay Pharaohs firstborn son and Zipporah was called God! Becomes easy to understand how visitors interact with the questions wife, Zipporah circumcises their son trip. Date, Plot, Renewed or Cancelled circumcising his son, Simba, actions. A rod killing why did zipporah call moses a bloody husband surrounds circumcising one of his kindness, Jethro his. Than letting Moses do it not with the fruit of the bloodline of Abraham these verses concerning. Sacrifice that atones for sin probably agree that Moses grew up to be great... Him a & quot ; in Exodus, very little is said about her where once she trying! Male among you shall be circumcised when he is eight days Old # x27 s! Been given in marriage to the refuge Egyptian prince after he was Gershom. Study tools his honor and glory who represents Christ, a bridegroom of blood & quot ; bloody husband because! Several scholars have hypothesized her motivation relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits Moses said a rod of! Chest, and in order to understand was circumcised in this story did not belong to the household of..
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