Exodus 4:26

Context

Exodus 4:26 concludes a pivotal and mysterious incident in Moses' journey back to Egypt. Just prior to this verse, as Moses was on his way to fulfill God's command to lead the Israelites out of bondage, the Lord "met him, and sought to kill him" (Exodus 4:24). This sudden divine wrath was likely due to Moses' failure to circumcise his son, a critical omission of the covenant sign God had established with Abraham (Genesis 17:10-14). Zipporah, Moses' Midianite wife, quickly understood the gravity of the situation and acted decisively to avert God's judgment by circumcising their son.

Key Themes

• The Seriousness of Covenant Obedience: This passage vividly illustrates God's absolute seriousness about His covenant commands. Even Moses, chosen by God for a monumental task, was not exempt from the consequences of disobedience regarding the covenant of circumcision. This highlights that God's favor does not negate the need for faithfulness to His commands.
• Divine Judgment and Mercy: The Lord's intent to kill Moses demonstrates the immediate and severe nature of divine judgment when covenant obligations are neglected. However, God's mercy is also evident as the danger is immediately lifted once Zipporah performs the necessary act of circumcision, allowing Moses to continue his mission to deliver Israel from Pharaoh.
• Zipporah's Decisive Action: Zipporah's swift and courageous act, using a flint knife to perform the circumcision and touching Moses' feet with the foreskin, saved her husband's life. Her understanding of the situation and immediate action underscore her vital role in this critical moment.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "A bloody husband [thou art], because of the circumcision" (KJV) is a translation of the Hebrew חֲתַן דָּמִים (hatan damim), which literally means "a bridegroom of blood" or "a husband of blood." The exact nuance of Zipporah's statement has been debated:

• It could express her disgust or shock at the bloody ritual, yet acknowledging its necessity.
• More profoundly, it signifies that Moses was now "a husband sealed by blood" or "a husband consecrated by blood," referring to the blood of circumcision which had just saved his life and reaffirmed his family's place within the covenant. It was a declaration that the covenant requirement had been met.

Related Scriptures

This event serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience to God's specific commands, echoing principles found elsewhere in Scripture about the value of obedience over sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). It also foreshadows later instances where God's leaders face consequences for disobedience, such as Moses himself being barred from the Promised Land due to his actions at Meribah (Numbers 20:12).

Practical Application

Exodus 4:26 teaches us several enduring lessons:

1. Immediate Obedience: God expects prompt and complete obedience to His commands. Delays or neglect, especially concerning foundational principles of faith, can have serious consequences.
2. The Sanctity of God's Covenant: God takes His covenants seriously, and so should we. Our relationship with Him is built on His promises and our faithful response to His requirements.
3. The Role of Family in Faith: Zipporah's quick thinking and action highlight the vital role family members can play in upholding spiritual duties and interceding for one another in times of spiritual crisis.
4. God's Holiness: This passage powerfully underscores God's holiness and the seriousness with which He views sin and disobedience, even from His chosen servants.