The Hebrew word Tsippôrâh, represented by H6855, identifies the wife of Moses H4872. The name's base definition is "bird," but in scripture it refers exclusively to Zipporah. It appears only 3 times across 3 unique verses, indicating a highly specific and focused role in the biblical narrative.
In the biblical narrative, Zipporah is first introduced as the daughter H1323 of the man with whom Moses H4872 dwells, who gives her to Moses to be his wife H802 Exodus 2:21. Her most prominent appearance occurs in a moment of crisis when she took H3947 a sharp stone H6864 and cut off H3772 the foreskin H6190 of her son H1121. She then cast H5060 it at his feet H7272 and said H559, "Surely a bloody husband H2860 art thou to me" Exodus 4:25. Later, the account mentions that Jethro took H3947 Zipporah after Moses had sent her back Exodus 18:2.
Several related words provide context for Zipporah's story:
- H4872 Môsheh (Moses): Zipporah is consistently identified by her relationship to Moses, the Israelite lawgiver, whom she marries (Exodus 2:21, Exodus 18:2).
- H802 'ishshâh (wife): This word defines her primary role in the narrative, as she is explicitly called "Moses' wife" Exodus 18:2.
- H1121 ben (son): Zipporah's decisive action of circumcision is performed on her son, highlighting the importance of the covenant applied to family Exodus 4:25.
- H3772 kârath (to cut): This verb describes Zipporah's action to "cut off" her son's foreskin, a term also used biblically to make a covenant (Exodus 4:25, Genesis 15:18).
- H2860 châthân (husband, son in law): Zipporah uses this word to declare Moses a "bloody husband," linking their marital relationship to the blood of the circumcision covenant Exodus 4:25.
The brief account of Zipporah carries significant theological weight:
- Covenantal Intervention: Zipporah's quick action to cut off H3772 her son's foreskin H6190 is an act of obedience that underscores the critical nature of God's covenant signs Exodus 4:25.
- A Protective Role: As a wife H802 and mother, Zipporah acts decisively on behalf of her family. Her intervention appears to be a life-saving measure, demonstrating a protective role in a moment of divine crisis Exodus 4:25.
- The Cost of Covenant: Her declaration of a "bloody husband H2860" connects the marriage relationship to the reality of the covenant of circumcision. Her deed fulfilled a critical requirement, suggesting that relationship with God and His appointed leaders involves serious, non-negotiable obligations Exodus 4:25.
In summary, Tsippôrâh H6855, though mentioned infrequently, is a pivotal figure. Her identity is interwoven with that of Moses H4872, but her story is defined by her own swift and resolute action in Exodus 4:25. This single event illustrates the profound importance of covenant faithfulness, the protective role within a family, and the life-and-death gravity of obedience to God's commands.
TRV