Zipporah: Moses’ Courageous Wife

Zipporah was the wife of Moses and the daughter of Jethro, a priest of Midian. Her role in Moses’ life and her actions provide intriguing insights into her character and the early life of Moses.

Quick Facts:

1. Midianite Heritage: Zipporah was a Midianite, the daughter of Jethro, also known as Reuel, a priest of Midian (Exodus 2:16, 18).
2. Marriage to Moses: She became Moses’ wife after he fled Egypt and settled in Midian (Exodus 2:21).
3. Motherhood: Zipporah bore Moses two sons, Gershom and Eliezer (Exodus 2:22; 18:3-4).
4. Circumcision Incident: She played a crucial role in circumcising their son, an act that averted God’s wrath against Moses (Exodus 4:24-26).
5. Reunion with Moses: Zipporah and her sons were reunited with Moses in the wilderness after he led the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 18:5-6).

Background and Marriage to Moses

Zipporah was one of the seven daughters of Jethro, also known as Reuel, who was a priest in Midian (Exodus 2:16, 18). When Moses fled from Egypt after killing an Egyptian, he arrived in Midian and met Jethro’s daughters at a well, where he helped them water their flock. In gratitude, Jethro invited Moses to stay with them, and eventually, Moses married Zipporah (Exodus 2:15-21).

Life in Midian

Moses’ time in Midian was a period of preparation and transformation. Zipporah bore him two sons during this time: Gershom, meaning “a stranger there,” reflecting Moses’ status in a foreign land, and Eliezer, meaning “my God is my helper,” signifying Moses’ gratitude for God’s deliverance (Exodus 2:22; 18:3-4).

The Circumcision Incident

One of the most enigmatic episodes involving Zipporah occurs in Exodus 4:24-26. As Moses was on his way back to Egypt with his family, the Lord met him and sought to kill him. Zipporah quickly circumcised their son and touched Moses’ feet with the foreskin, saying, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me.” This act appeased God’s anger and spared Moses’ life. This incident highlights Zipporah’s quick thinking and courage, and it emphasizes the importance of the covenant of circumcision.

Reuniting with Moses

After Moses returned to Egypt to lead the Israelites out of bondage, Zipporah and their sons were sent back to Jethro, possibly for their safety. They reunited with Moses in the wilderness after the Exodus, when Jethro brought them to Moses at Mount Sinai (Exodus 18:5-6). This reunion was a joyous occasion, and Jethro’s subsequent advice to Moses about delegating responsibilities was pivotal for the administration of justice among the Israelites (Exodus 18:13-27).

Zipporah’s Legacy

Zipporah’s legacy is multifaceted. She is remembered for her role as Moses’ wife, her quick action in the circumcision incident, and her presence in pivotal moments of Moses’ life. Despite her limited appearances in the biblical narrative, Zipporah’s impact is significant. Her story reflects themes of faith, obedience, and the complexities of cross-cultural marriage and family life in a pivotal period of Israel’s history.

Conclusion

Zipporah’s story, though brief in the Bible, is rich with lessons about faith, courage, and support in the context of a divine mission. As Moses’ wife, she played a crucial role in some of the most critical moments of his life, contributing to the larger narrative of the Exodus and the formation of the Israelite identity.