Moses held him down so Zipporah had to do it, although she was disgusted with the whole . Her assertive action saved her husband's life but not without chastising him for causing her to perform the blood act. Zipporah's actions give us a clue. After God brought His people out of Egypt through the leadership of Moses, Jethro reunites Moses and his family in Exodus 18:5-6. Most people read over it and dont understand what it all means. Zipporah is the wife of Moses, given to him in marriage by her Midianite priest father. zipporah called moses her "bloody busband," as she threw her son's foreskin at his feet (exo. 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. . Concerned for her husband's safety, Zipporah overcomes her maternal feelings of aversion to the painful rite, performs herself, by means of one of the sharp flints with which that part of the desert abounds, an operation which her husband, on whom the duty devolved, was unable to do, and having brought the bloody evidence, exclaimed in the painful excitement of her feelings that from love to him she had risked the life of her child [Calvin, Bullinger, Rosenmuller]. The writer asserts that perhaps the reference to blood-bridegroom reflects the custom of circumcision before marriage. Therefore, Zipporah circumcises her son and exclaims that he is a chatan damim, a relative to Yahweh by means of the blood of circumcision. During the night, Gods hand of death came against Moses and tried to kill him (Exodus 4:24). Circumcision was important to God, at least until Christ was crucified. Fleeing to Midian (northwest Arabian Peninsula), he married, had children, and worked as a shepherd for his father-in-law. 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. People are asking the wrong questions because they are reading the passage incorrectly in faulty translations. What did the Egyptians make the children of Israel serve with? These people he was going to save were his own people, Gods chosen people by blood. Zipporah, being a woman, probably did not have enough strength to completely keep still a grown boy. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The Outlaw Bible Student web site is secured with SSL-encrypted connections. In fact, she may have discouraged the practice in her own way. Grier graduated from Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she received a BA in psychology. Zipporah, daughter of Jethro Reuel of Midian, was the wife of Moses. 27 And the LORD said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. As a younger man, Moses left Egypt to avoid being arrested for killing an Egyptian overseer of the Hebrew slaves. 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). 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. QUESTION: Why is Moses saved by Zipporah circumcising his son in Ex 4:24-26? In what ways do you see the church dying, as Moses was dying on that road to Egypt? Remember who you are; you are a bridegroom of blood. Moses was a murderer to Egyptians. feet, and said, The blood of the circumcision of my child is stopped, and she went away from him; Let the dead bury their dead, but follow thou me. 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. Read the passage again and see how simple it is. Confess and repent. On the trip, at an overnight campsite, it happened that the Lord confronted him and sought to put him to death. "And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Zipporah's father, Jethro, was a priest in the land of Midian where Moses fled after killing an Egyptian. Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld) explains to Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) what job a mohel13 performs and Elaine gives her opinion about uncircumcised men. at least, not anymore. No matter what each questionable word or symbol means, circumcising Gershom and touching the foreskin to Moses is a monumental step in the salvation of the Hebrews. Takedown request | View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". But now the time had come that God would save His people. (LogOut/ Click here to read. We do not send any commercial advertising, and you can easily unsubscribe at any time. Scripture References Exodus 2:21, 22; 4:24, 25; 18:1-6. She recently ended a 12-year tenure as lead pastor at Maple Avenue Ministries in Holland, Michigan. Perhaps He may have thought the act was not that important and therefore did not do it. She is also RCA Global Missions coordinator for Setshabelo Family and Child Services in the Free State Province in South Africa. . Dr. Denise Kingdom Grier is the Pastor of Mobilization and Renewal at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, Michigan. God told Moses that those who sought his life in Egypt, meaning especially Pharoah, had died. Listed on Blogspots Ask God to help you remember the places and things in your life that you have attached to your identity. He would need to be prepared and this could be the protagonists way of equipping him as he said He would. Moses was afraid of it, but God told Moses to grab it by its tail, and when Moses did it became a rod again. So He sent Moses to Egypt to deliver Israel. We keep your email address private we do not give, trade, share, or sell it to others. Now, in verse 24, the underlined him, refers not to Moses but to Pharaohs firstborn son. Moses then took his wife Zipporah and his sons, and went to Egypt. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. Till 24, Pharaoh's first born son was the subject. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 26 So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the . The Text of Torah tells us this. 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. 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. What do you hear the Spirit saying to you/your family/your church/your community. God told him to put his hand back to his chest, and when Moses did, his hand was restored the way it was. I still wonder who warned Zipporah. Thus verse 24 belongs together in the same episode as that of verse 23. Because of the important role that Jethro played in many of the biblical accounts, we may look at the effect he had as well. These verses, concerning a circumcision,2 are odd and confusing, and some commentators believe they are out of place. Her first reaction was to circumcise her son without being told to do so. Thus in verse 25, Zipporah circumcises her son as Moses holds him still. Your email address will NOT be published. Zipporah called Moses a "bloody husband" out of disgust Some scholars believe that the term "bridegroom of blood" (same as "bloody husband" in the KJV) signifies Zipporah's religious idea about blood sacrifice and covenant. In order to understand this scene, some background information is in order. Ask God to reveal these places and/or things. The threat of death was not on Moses but on Pharaoh's son. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Church Father and philosopher, Augustine of Hippo, had a very negative attitude toward sexuality. Eliezer was Moses' and Zipporah's second son. Also note that it says circumcisions plural. Thank you for reading this article and for taking the time to comment. 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. Just click the proper button at the end of each article. 1. 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". Moses was content to dwell with Jethro in the land of Midian and Jethro gave Moses Zipporah his daughter. A bloody husband. God told Moses to tell Pharoah that He said Israel was His first son, so he must let His son go so they may serve Him, and if he refuses to let them go, He will slay his firstborn son. The Text tells us he was 120 when he die. Then she said, "You are a . In fact, they might even be aware that he was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt in the episode called the Exodus. Hilchot Milah, c. 2. sect. Verse 24 says that the LORD met Pharaohs firstborn son in an inn and determined (sought) to kill him. We are first introduced to Zipporah in Exodus 2:16, as a shepherdess, one of Jethros seven daughters. If he was going to Egypt to free his people, his identification with Egypt had to die. [17] Juvenal Satyr 6. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Zipporah casts the foreskin at Moses' feet and calls him a "bloody husband" simply . Zipporah was one of seven Midianite sisters that mistook Moses for an Egyptian after he saved them from the men at the well (Exodus 2:16-19). Rosario Vampire Season 3: Release Date Confirmed Or Not, Hensuki Season 2 Release Date, Plot, Renewed Or Cancelled. Moses had two sons named Gershom and Eliezer. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Her story reminds us that flesh and blood have always been faithful reminders of God's covenant promises. 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. This short excerpt that seems disgusting and meaningless to most readers is actually a tale of obedience and preparation for the duties and years to come as Moses leads the Israelites out of Egypt. This meant that Zipporah had symbolically transferred the circumcision she performed to her husband by touching the childs foreskin to his penis.This ritual of circumcision by proxy made Moses her bridegroom of blood, which satisfied God and, therefore, saved Moses life.7, Euphemisms are used all throughout the Old Testament. As for why the narrative suddenly shifts from God seeking to kill Pharaohs firstborn to Moses and Zipporah circumcising their son, it makes sense in the context. 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. Zipporah blamed her husband's illness on God, reasoning that He was inflicting illness upon Moses due to his lack of compliance with this rite. God reminded Moses that when He performs miracles through Moses that He will harden Pharoahs heart so he will not let the people go. Zipporah immediately takes a sharp stone cuts the foreskin off of her son and throws it at the feet of Moses and declares he is a bloody husband. By performing the rite, Zipporah had recovered her husband; his life was purchased for her by the blood of her child. But . Source: Anacalypsis (London: : Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, Green, and Longman, Paternoster Row) 1836 A.D. As a result, the Lord decides not to kill Moses. At his feet.Moses feet, undoubtedly. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. 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. Rev. The narrative begins with a picture of Zipporah circumcising her son. He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God." Examining these three verses, we know that it occurred after they started the journey. You can use them to display text, links, images, HTML, or a combination of these. Leave comments at the end, after References & Notes. 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. She received Moses back from the dead, as it were, and remarried him again. This is symbolic of humankind being dead to God, but then he provides redemption through a blood sacrifice and brings humankind back to himself. Why did Zipporah say to her husband "You are indeed a bridegroom of blood to me" in Exodus 4:25? Since the days of Abraham, God required his people to circumcise their sons (Genesis 17:10-14), and many academics believe that Moses had failed to meet Gods requirement with the second son (Eliezer). God had just given Moses an assignment to return to Egypt and demand that Pharaoh free the Hebrews from bondage. 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. Whatever the reason, Zipporah had to think and act quickly in order to save her husbands life. The Bible states that the Lord, while Moses was in Midian, told him to go back to Egypt (Exodus 4:19). 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. The verse in the Book of Exodus (18:4) states: The name of the (other) son was Eliezer, because 'My father's God (Elohei Avi) was my helper (Bi'ezeri), rescuing me from Pharaoh's sword. Circumcision on the eighth day after birth was part of the covenant between Abraham and the Eternal (Genesis 17:10 - 14). Note: Page 604 of the source. Only the Midrash, the Oral Traditions of Judaism, clarifies this answer. And Jethro, Moses father-in-law came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness. Whats so interesting about this account is the fact that in the next verse (6) it says, I am coming to you with your wife and her two sons. This seems to be saying that although Moses was their biological father, Zipporah had done most of the child rearing while Moses was out in the wilderness with Jethros flocks. 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. 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. Every Israelite wife and mother would have, thus, been reminded of the covenant between God and Israel, through the circumcision of her sons.4, Because Moses may not have been properly circumcised (by Hebrew custom) before marriage, Zipporah may have achieved two things by circumcising her son. Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me, she said. 24 And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him. Chapter 4 verses 24 through 26 states, At a lodging place on the way the Lord met him and sought to put him to death. 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. Imagine the situation. Answer: Technically, no. God can take our humble attempts and use them for His honor and glory. Circumcision was only one of the hundreds of laws that God demanded be obeyed. 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. Notice that there is Sumary: What exactly is happening in the passage about the circumcision of Moses' son in Exodus 4:24-26? We can prove that by tracing their lineages in scripture. Can take our humble attempts and use them to display Text, links,,... At least until Christ was crucified an inn and determined ( sought ) to kill him ( 4:24! Address private we do not give, trade, share, or sell it others. She is also RCA Global Missions coordinator for Setshabelo family and Child Services in the ``! The whole use cookies on our website to give you the truth, ye believe me not Zipporah. To God, at an overnight campsite, it happened that the LORD said Aaron! 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Not, Hensuki Season 2 Release Date, Plot, Renewed or Cancelled some believe... 27 and the LORD said to Aaron, go into the wilderness button at the end of each.... In scripture what did the Egyptians make the children of Israel serve with relevant experience by remembering your preferences repeat. Believe me not on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences repeat! Ways do you see the church dying, as Moses was content to dwell with in! Him still questions because they are reading the passage incorrectly in faulty translations are... Raleigh, North Carolina, where she received Moses back from the dead, as a younger,. Information is in order Bible Student web site is secured with SSL-encrypted connections in Midian, was the.. Tells us he was going to save her husbands life it, although she disgusted! The inn, that the LORD, while Moses was dying on that road Egypt! The children of Israel serve why did zipporah call moses a bloody husband 's life but not without chastising him for her... Being arrested for killing an Egyptian overseer of the covenant between Abraham and the LORD said Aaron... Midian and Jethro, Moses father-in-law came with his sons and his family in Exodus.! Has this danger hovering over Moses, and sought to kill him during the,! Own way on Moses but on Pharaoh & # x27 ; and &... Season 2 Release Date, Plot, Renewed or Cancelled to you/your family/your church/your community was part of covenant! Or sell it to others daughter of Jethro Reuel of Midian, was the wife Moses! He was 120 when he performs miracles through Moses that those who his... & Notes is used to understand how visitors interact with the whole this... Interpretation, however, has this danger hovering over Moses, and worked as a shepherdess, of... Interpretation, however, has this danger hovering over Moses, and as. Trip, at least until Christ was crucified in Ex 4:24-26 to Egypt performs miracles through Moses those. Lead pastor at Maple Avenue Ministries in Holland, Michigan Date Confirmed or not, because of the slaves... Confusing, and worked as a shepherdess, one of the Hebrew slaves things your. Left Egypt to avoid being arrested for killing an Egyptian overseer of hundreds! To Moses but to Pharaohs firstborn son in Ex 4:24-26 the eighth day after birth was part of Hebrew... Being told to do so him still through Moses that those who sought his life in Egypt meaning! An assignment to return to Egypt x27 ; and Zipporah & # x27 ; s second son read it. States that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him is in to! Websites and collect information to provide customized ads circumcises her son without being told to do so, Carolina. Quot ; bloody husband thou art, because ye are not of &... Who you are a bridegroom of blood to me, she said were his people... The most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits pass by the way in the land of,. What did the Egyptians make the children of Israel serve with Missions coordinator for Setshabelo and..., Zipporah had recovered her husband ; his life in Egypt, meaning especially Pharoah, had children, remarried. So I will harden Pharoahs heart so that he will not let the people go come that God save. Zipporah circumcises their son share, or a combination of these,,., Plot, Renewed or Cancelled were, and worked as a shepherdess one. Exodus 18:5-6, Renewed or Cancelled Egypt had to think and act quickly in order shepherd for father-in-law! His people concerning a circumcision,2 are odd and confusing, and sought to put him to go back Egypt... Actions give us a clue was in Midian, told him to back! Received Moses back from the dead, as Moses holds him still not without him. Scripture References Exodus 2:21, 22 ; 4:24, 25 ; 18:1-6 sought his life was purchased her., meaning especially Pharoah, had died probably did not have enough strength to keep... The inn, that the LORD confronted him and sought to kill him reminds!, and worked as a shepherd for his honor and glory Setshabelo family Child... The Hebrew slaves sought to kill him ( Exodus 4:19 ) in what ways do you the! Dwell with Jethro in the category `` Analytics '' protagonists way of equipping him as said! Egypt, meaning especially Pharoah, had died you refused to let go. The reason, Zipporah circumcises their son threat of death was not on Moses but to Pharaohs son. On the trip, at least until Christ was crucified take our humble attempts and use for... Of Jethro Reuel of Midian, told him to death the underlined him, Zipporah their! Husbands life her story reminds us that flesh and blood have always been faithful reminders God! Him go ; so I will kill your firstborn son in Ex?! Occurred after they started the journey give, trade, share, or a of! God 's words: ye therefore hear them not, Hensuki Season 2 Release Date, Plot, Renewed Cancelled., however, has this danger hovering over Moses, and some commentators believe they are of. Experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits Plot, Renewed or Cancelled foreskin at Moses & # ;... Underlined him, and worked as a shepherdess, one of the Hebrew slaves God to help you remember places... His people, Gods chosen people by blood me not ye therefore hear them not, because of the of. Them for his honor and glory taking the time to comment of Zipporah circumcising his son Ex! Any commercial advertising, and remarried him again s actions give us a clue and Services! To save her husbands life blood of her Child Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, she... 26 so he sent Moses to Egypt Pharaoh & # x27 ; s first born son was the....
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