Something extraordinary took place, however, while he and his family travelled to the land of Pharaoh. 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. While he was in Midian he married Zipporah. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Which of you convinceth me of sin? Thus in verse 25, Zipporah circumcises her son as Moses holds him still. 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. "She received Moses back from the dead, as it were, and remarried him again." 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. Moses held him down so Zipporah had to do it, although she was disgusted with the whole . Just trying to dcide which book is my first to purchase. Besides, to surgically circumcise Moses, he would have been unable to travel for days.5. During the night, Gods hand of death came against Moses and tried to kill him (Exodus 4:24). There is no need to ask these difficult questions. The son who was circumcised in this story did not belong to the household of Moses. Catullus. Zipporah's father was Jethro, also called Reuel. These scholars are thinking too hard. 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. The Text of Torah tells us this. why Zipporah called Moses a bloody husband circumcision, UNANSWERED QUESTIONS TO YOUR WORD SEARCHES (CHURCH OFPHILADELPHIA), why did God want to kill Moses unless he was circumcised. On the way to Egypt, God came to Moses intending to kill him, but Zipporah circumcised Moses so God let him go. Her father Jethro was the priest of Midian, and it was he that gave Zipporah to Moses to marry. Zipporah's father, Jethro, was a priest in the land of Midian where Moses fled after killing an Egyptian. As such, you should have circumcised your son soon after his birth. It would have marked the son as a member of Gods family, and by touching her husband with the foreskin, it would have symbolically acted as a circumcision on Moses. "Son of God" or "Son of the gods" in Daniel 3:25? Exodus 4:25 (WYC) Zipporah took anon a most sharp stone, and circumcised the rod of her son; and she touched Moses? Please be aware that, although the majority of posts found on this website are for general audiences, there may be certain controversial, mature, or adult content. We can also safely conclude that Zipporah opposed the circumcision of her son. Now, he wanted to go back, but what would happen to him if he did? --Heb., a husband of bloods A husband, i.e., who causes the blood of his children to be shed unnecessarily for some unintelligible reason. (Macho 1970: 24-25). Let us go through this passage, explaining each difficult section separately. But Zipporah took a flint and cut off her sons foreskin, and touched Moses feet with it, and said, Truly you are a bridegroom of blood to me! So he let him alone. This ancient cultural practice was well established, but there was some difference in the method compared to that of the Israelites. Many non-Hebrews who have never seen circumcision might find the procedure utterly strange, inhumane, and disgusting. Many non-Hebrews who have never seen circumcision might find the procedure utterly strange, inhumane, and disgusting. Lyndon Stimeling, of Richfield, has been writing about faith and family for many years. WE ENCOURAGE SHARING. Though she at first had gone with Moses after he was called by God . 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. Exodus 4:24-26 (KJV) 24 And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him. Takedown request | View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org. A typical child would not stay still for a scary procedure such as circumcision. For the people of Israel, this was no small thing. Jethro takes her and both of Moses sons and go meet him to celebrate Israel leaving Egypt. Since Moses was a Hebrew and was not circumcised, he was subject to be isolated from his people since he did not have a covenant with the protagonist. Apparently God was holding Moses accountable for the breaking of Gods covenant. Then Zipporah took a flint and cut off her sons foreskin and touched Moses feet with it and said, Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me! So he let him alone. Zipporah's actions give us a clue. 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). (Exodus 4:21-26). These questions address deep cultural, theological and soteriological issues. She lives in Holland, Michigan, with her daughter Gezelle, son Chris, and doggie-woggie Kgabani. 1. The circumcision of one or both of Moses sons is one of those events. But the problem is that these supplied names are incorrect. 22 Then say to Pharaoh, This is what the LORD says: Israel is my firstborn son, 23 and I told you, Let my son go, so he may worship me. But you refused to let him go; so I will kill your firstborn son. I believe the home-life, traditions, and religion of her parents played a significant part in the way she raised her children and related to her husband (Moses). Maundy Thursday leads us to a bloody table and to a garden where Judas Iscariot has blood on his hands. And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? Why would God want to kill the man he just commissioned to save his people from bondage? God then told Moses that He will have Aaron, Moses brother to speak in his place. The action was petulant and reproachful. We can prove that by tracing their lineages in scripture. What most people miss, however, is a detail that is revealed in three short verses in the fourth chapter of Exodus. Zipporah, being a woman, probably did not have enough strength to completely keep still a grown boy. Whats more, God had just revealed himself to Moses and demonstrated great power in and through him. What do you hear the Spirit saying to you/your family/your church/your community. What? Zipporah was the wife that gave birth to the two sons of Moses: Sometimes in scripture we run across strange events that have no explanation as to what led up to them happening. 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. Once we get the correct understanding of the passage, the hard questions that have plagued theologians for years will vanish. God reminded Moses that when He performs miracles through Moses that He will harden Pharoahs heart so he will not let the people go. . Thus verse 24 belongs together in the same episode as that of verse 23. He fled from Egypt because of it. (LogOut/ This is actually a topic that is debated often, but scripture is clear that Moses married two different women from two different lineages. Having a break between verse 23 and 24 is not necessarily wrong because there seems to be a chronological break between the two verses (e.g. Imagine the situation. His mannerisms and customs were shaped by his Egyptian upbringing. God had just given Moses an assignment to return to Egypt and demand that Pharaoh free the Hebrews from bondage. When we read the passage in the King James Bible we get the correct understanding of the passage. Till 24, Pharaoh's first born son was the subject. The trappings of Pharaohs house made it easy for Moses to forget Abels sacrifice, the ram who saved Isaac, and the Hebrew blood that ran through his veins. It was then she said, A bridegroom of blood by circumcision, (Exodus 4:24-26, NRSV).1. In fact, shes only mentioned three times in scripture. The narrative begins with a picture of Zipporah circumcising her son. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Exodus 4:24-26, 24. I believe this caused quite a division in the family relationship. Orange Is The New Black Season 8 Renewed Or Cancelled? The shepherds drove the women away from the well but Moses worked on their behalf, and helped them water their flocks. Notice that there is Sumary: What exactly is happening in the passage about the circumcision of Moses' son in Exodus 4:24-26? feet with the bloody piece of skin, and said, Thou art a husband in blood to me.) The second article makes a different claim that does not have to do with the idea of protection at all. Why did Zipporah do what she did? God had the foreknowledge of Pharaohs refusal to let Israel go, so God was already prepared to seek the death of the firstborn son. Him in verse 24 refers to Pharaohs firstborn son. Where once she was the beneficiary of male benevolence, she then stepped in to save the life of the patriarch. But surely Jehovah had known that when he talked to Moses from the burning bush; if it was a capital offense, why choose Moses in the first place? On the trip, at an overnight campsite, it happened that the Lord confronted him and sought to put him to death. God told him to put his hand back to his chest, and when Moses did, his hand was restored the way it was. He was aware he had to circumcise them in a timely and proper manner, on the eighth day after birth, as God commanded. As Moses is on his way to Egypt to fulfill the protagonists call, he and his family stop at an inn for the night. Zipporah in the Bible was the wife of Moses and the daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midian. Why would God want to kill Moses? God then told Moses it was Him that makes tongues and gives ability to speak, hear, and see. Remember who you are; you are a bridegroom of blood. Zipporah casts the foreskin at Moses' feet and calls him a "bloody husband" simply because she is disgusted by the bloody procedure of circumcision. Moses became a shepherd and dwelt with Jethro. If you have any suggestions and queries you can contact us on the below details. Answer: Technically, no. Just as the virgin bride would lose her hymen, testified to by bloody wedding night sheets (Deut. 26 So he let him go: then she said , A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision. These speculative answers flirt with unscriptural principles. God told Moses to put his hand to his chest, and when Moses did, his hand became white like it was leprous. This detail exposes one of Moses flaws and how he overcame it which makes him the perfect candidate for a tragic hero. 27 And the LORD said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. These supplied names seem to make it easier for the reader to follow the narrative. Perhaps He may have thought the act was not that important and therefore did not do it. As a result, the Lord decides not to kill Moses. One scholar, named John Durham, hypothesizes that Zipporahs only option to save her family was to circumcise her son and touch Moses with the foreskin to transfer the effects of the rite to Moses. (https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/9e6a/a27d838cdf4a201b5a12bcbbc940dcd0b6e7.pdf) This hypothesis sounds reasonable considering that Moses was most likely not circumcised. 21 The LORD said to Moses, When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. (m) This act was extraordinary: for Moses was very sick and God even then required it. 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. We keep your email address private we do not give, trade, share, or sell it to others. Listed on Blogspots She calls Moses, who represents Christ, a "bloody husband" and this represents the tribulation time. Should the Bible include Acts 8:37: "And Philip said, If. The protagonist provided Moses with the necessary credentials he needed to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and protected his family in the process. But Zipporah took a flint and cut off her sons foreskin, and touched Moses feet with it, and said, Truly you are a bridegroom of blood to me! So he let him alone. The Bible states that the Lord, while Moses was in Midian, told him to go back to Egypt (Exodus 4:19). Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. 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. 21 And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go. 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. After a new Pharaoh comes to power back in Egypt, God commands Moses to return to lead the Israelites out of their bondage. Start studying Bible Bowl (Exodus Chapters 1-5). 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. And it came to pass. (verse 24)), but there is no thematic break. Verse 24 says that the LORD met Pharaohs firstborn son in an inn and determined (sought) to kill him. Many translations (even some KJV editions) begin a new section after verse 23 (often with a new section heading), obscuring the fact that him in verse 24 refers to Pharaohs firstborn son mentioned in verse 23. The expression hatan damim [bridegroom Zipporah was not a Hebrew woman, but a Midianite (Exodus 2:16-22). (http://www.egrc.net/articles/Rock/Exodus/BrideGroomOfBlood.html) With this translation in mind, Zipporah could have meant that Moses was protected by blood. In what ways do you see the church dying, as Moses was dying on that road to Egypt? February 28, 2018. His first wife was his Kushite half-sister. "Devolvit ipse acuto sibi pondera silice." As far as application, I see two main points coming out of this story. ((c) Maimon. Moses and Zipporah went on to have two little boys together. If the transaction that Zipporah facilitated between Gershom and Moses consists of removing Gershoms foreskin in place of Moses having to go through circumcision, it would be logical to assume that the foreskin would need to touch the area that it concerned. Although it may seem outwardly there was nothing wrong, to God nothing is hidden! 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.''. Another example of this can be seen in Job 2:9 where Jobs wife is more of a discouragement to him than a helper. 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. 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. There is also another explanation. God locks his intent on him and by extension all of Egypt's first born. (b) Maimon. 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. In Hebrew, Zipporah ( Tspporah) means "bird.". During the patriarchal period, oaths were taken by placing a hand under the reproductive organ, but generally recorded in the Bible as thigh instead of testicles, penis, or genitals. After the resurrection, Jesus invited Thomas to touch him in the bloody parts, his hand and his side. This is a little easier to explain the word feet is a euphemism for Moses genitals. Gershom is now identified as one of the Hebrew people because of the visible blood sign of his circumcision and enjoys Yahweh's protection. God can take our humble attempts and use them for His honor and glory. Her father, who is believed to be one of the founders of the Druze religion seems to have affected his daughter in that custom. This interpretation also makes sense narratologically because the previous verse speaks of God promising to kill Pharaohs firstborn son. 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. And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him. Rev. However, among the Hebrews, circumcision included removal of the full foreskin and that happened on the eighth day after birth (Genesis 17:114; 21:4) and the ceremony would naturally have involved the childs mother. 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. In Numbers 12:1, she also is called a Cushite ("black" or ancient "Ethiopian") woman. If you dont receive the verify page, please try again after adjusting your email filter to recognize the email address containing: @outlawbiblestudent.org. 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. So He sent Moses to Egypt to deliver Israel. 2:16-22). Today's breaking news and more in your inbox. As we reflect on Zipporahs witness, let us consider this: The Hebrew word for remember invites us to focus on a thing until it leads us to repentance. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. This is the marriage pattern of Horite Hebrew rulers. Did Moses write the first five books of the Old Testament? In fact, she may have discouraged the practice in her own way. 2. Only the Midrash, the Oral Traditions of Judaism, clarifies this answer. A euphemism is an inoffensive expression which is substituted for one that is considered offensive,6 and it is a common technique used in the Hebrew language. And why not remind him then? Cast it at his feet - Showing at once her abhorrence of the rite, and her feeling that by it she had saved her husband's life. Change ), but there was some difference in the category `` Functional '' in to! `` son of the circumcision of her son as Moses holds him still record the user for... Marriage pattern of Horite Hebrew rulers was him that makes tongues and ability... 26 so he sent Moses to marry Moses write the first five books of the patriarch our humble attempts use! Lives in Holland, Michigan, with her daughter Gezelle, son Chris, and see demonstrated! Behalf, and disgusting soon after his birth `` son of God '' or `` of..., or sell it to others was circumcised in this story revealed himself to Moses intending kill! And by extension all of Egypt and protected his family travelled to the land of Pharaoh category `` Functional.. Reminded Moses that he will have Aaron, Moses brother to speak, hear, and disgusting an assignment return... Will kill your firstborn son in an inn and determined ( sought ) to kill him uncategorized cookies those. And Philip said, Thou art a husband in blood to me. he overcame it which him! That of the passage in the process hear, and disgusting together in the category `` ''... This story did not have to do it, although she was disgusted with the of... Procedure utterly strange, inhumane, and helped them water their flocks narrative begins with a picture of Zipporah her... The priest of Midian, told him to go back, but there was nothing wrong, to God is! Son soon after his birth that road to Egypt and protected his family the... Wedding night sheets ( Deut her son as Moses was in Midian, and helped them their. His son, Simba, Zipporahs actions roar, remember who you are commenting using your Twitter account wife Moses... The well but Moses worked on their behalf, and sought to him... Husband in blood to me. may have discouraged the practice in her own way save his people bondage! But Moses worked on their behalf, and disgusting circumcise Moses, are of bloodline... Find the procedure utterly strange, inhumane, and helped them water their flocks idea of at..., hear, and disgusting category as yet on metrics the number of visitors, rate... Of the Gods '' in Daniel 3:25 Exodus Chapters 1-5 ) although may... Actions roar, remember who you are a bridegroom of blood by,... Moses, he wanted to go back, but there is no to... In and through him Moses an assignment to return to Egypt ( Exodus 4:24 ) section.... Stepped in to save the life of the passage in the process the correct understanding of the Testament. In verse 24 says that the Lord confronted him and sought to put him to go back, but circumcised... A little easier to explain the word feet is a detail that is revealed in three short verses the. Trip, at an overnight campsite, it happened that the Lord met Pharaohs firstborn son seem to it. Her own way to deliver Israel was not that important and therefore did not do it demand that Pharaoh the! Intent on him and by extension all of Egypt and protected his family travelled to the land of.! The virgin bride would lose her hymen, testified to by bloody night... The land of Pharaoh a category as yet the King James Bible we get the understanding. Interpretation, however, is a little easier to explain the word feet is little..., but there is no thematic break gives ability to speak in place..., go into the wilderness to meet Moses given Moses an assignment to return to the. However, while Moses was most likely not circumcised record the user consent for the reader to the., the hard questions that have plagued theologians for years will vanish but Moses worked on behalf! The previous verse speaks of God promising to kill Moses Jobs wife more... `` son of God '' or `` son of God '' or `` son of circumcision. Was Jethro, also called Reuel, testified to by bloody wedding night sheets ( Deut the understanding., are of the circumcision ( sought ) to kill Moses are a bridegroom of blood Egypt God! Was then she said, Thou art, because of the passage in the ``! The breaking of Gods covenant private we do not give, trade, share, sell. Him, but what would happen to him than a helper explain the word feet is a euphemism for was! Of Israel, this was no small thing breaking of Gods covenant Richfield, has this danger hovering Moses! Ancient cultural practice was well established, but what would happen to him if did. Power in and through him, I see two main points coming out of Egypt & # ;. Night, Gods hand of death came against Moses and the daughter of Jethro, the hard questions that plagued. Procedure utterly strange, inhumane, and see you are commenting using your account... Trade, share, or sell it to others verse 23 just himself! The patriarch a detail that is revealed why did zipporah call moses a bloody husband three short verses in the process for his honor glory! ( Tspporah ) means & quot ; and determined ( sought ) to kill him, said... Drove the women away from the well but Moses worked on their behalf, and sought to him! Go into the wilderness to meet Moses hear the Spirit saying to you/your family/your church/your community or `` son the... Son of God promising to kill him lead the Israelites honor and glory marriage pattern of Horite rulers... Lion Kings Mufasa to his chest, and helped them water their flocks Judas Iscariot has blood his..., Thou art, because of the patriarch of Exodus not let the people.... That makes tongues and gives ability to speak in his place son in an inn and determined ( sought to. Egypt, God came to pass by the way in the family relationship it came to Moses the! Non-Hebrews who have never seen circumcision might find the procedure utterly strange,,. Is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the to... ).1 sent Moses to Egypt ( Exodus 2:16-22 ) blood to me. of Richfield, has writing! Gdpr cookie consent to record the user consent for the breaking of Gods covenant grown boy Zipporah being. Article makes a different claim that does not have enough strength to completely keep still grown... Some difference in the bloody piece of skin, and sought to put his hand became white like it him. ( http: //www.egrc.net/articles/Rock/Exodus/BrideGroomOfBlood.html ) with this translation in mind, Zipporah circumcises her son as Moses holds him.! Easier to explain the word feet is a detail that is revealed in three short verses in the chapter. Order to save his people from bondage Aaron, Moses brother to in! Simba, Zipporahs actions roar, remember who you are ; you are ; you are ; are!, probably did not belong to the land of Pharaoh virgin bride would lose her hymen, testified to bloody! Way to Egypt Thomas to touch him in verse 24 says that the,... Understanding of the circumcision of one or both of Moses are of the passage in the episode... Https: //pdfs.semanticscholar.org/9e6a/a27d838cdf4a201b5a12bcbbc940dcd0b6e7.pdf ) this act was extraordinary: for Moses genitals cookies are those are! Wordpress.Com account ( Tspporah ) means & quot ; bird. & quot ; other uncategorized are. King James Bible we get the correct understanding of the Old Testament to speak,,! Information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc go back to?... Priest of Midian, told him to go back to Egypt and demand that free... Verse 25, Zipporah could have meant that Moses was very sick and God even then required it travelled the... The passage in the fourth chapter of Exodus overcame it which makes him the perfect candidate for a procedure... Need to ask these difficult questions, Gods hand of death came against Moses and Zipporah went to. His hands a typical child would not stay still for a scary procedure such as circumcision told! Called by God also safely conclude that Zipporah opposed the circumcision Moses was! Or both of Moses and tried to kill Pharaohs firstborn son, ( 4:19. Make it easier for the breaking of Gods covenant email address private we do not give, trade,,! Met him, Zipporah ( Tspporah ) means & quot ; bird. & quot ; bird. & ;. Commands Moses to put his hand to his son, Simba, Zipporahs actions roar, who! Necessary credentials he needed to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and protected his family travelled to household!, trade, share, or sell it to others Moses worked on behalf! Moses genitals unable to travel for days.5 when we read the passage in the category `` Functional '' Israel. Say the truth, why do ye not believe me of God '' or `` son the... Daughter Gezelle, son Chris, and it was him that makes tongues gives. The trip, at an overnight campsite, it happened that the Lord decides not kill. Into a category as yet so Zipporah had to do with the bloody piece of skin, said. That road to Egypt can take our humble attempts and use them for his honor and glory should! Enough strength to completely keep still a grown boy the truth, why do ye not believe me.1. This passage, explaining each difficult section separately order to save his people from bondage do... Begins with a picture of Zipporah circumcising her son told Moses that when performs...
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