We are going to take a closer look at Zipporah, wife of Moses. Because of the important role that Jethro played in many of the biblical accounts, we may look at the effect he had as well. 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).

We are first introduced to Zipporah in Exodus 2:16, as a shepherdess, one of Jethro’s seven daughters. The shepherds drove the women away from the well but Moses worked on their behalf, and helped them water their flocks. Because of his kindness, Jethro tells his daughters to invite him for the meal. A little bit of kindness and compassion on the part of Moses turns a casual meeting into a close relationship. Moses got himself a wife, Jethro got himself a son-in-law and a shepherd for his sheep; and Zipporah got herself a mate. Everything seems to be going hunky-dory until Moses sees the burning bush and encounters the God of all Creation.

The life of Moses is different after God comes into his life in a miraculous way, very much like Saul of Tarsus in the book of Acts. Moses got his directions from God but something very strange happened, God was going to kill him (Moses) because of his disobedience. In Exodus 4:24-26 it says, “And it came to pass, at the encampment (inn), that the Lord met him and sought to kill him.”

Apparently God was holding Moses accountable for the breaking of God’s covenant. In Genesis 17:14 it says, “And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.” Because of the age of the child, it seems likely that Moses was being held accountable for the sin of omission.

From the material I have read, it looks like Zipporah put some pressure on her hubby not to circumcise the boy. Her father, who is believed to be one of the founders of the “Druze” religion seems to have affected his daughter in that custom. Zipporah complains to her husband about the Abrahamic Covenant when she says, “Surely you are a husband of blood to me.” In most of the Jewish households, the eighth day after the child was born, was a ceremonial day when the male child (which was viewed as a blessing) was given his name and also circumcised on the same day. For the people of Israel, this was no small thing. All the evidence seems to point to Zipporah and Jethro as being against it, but Moses was still held accountable before God.

The attitude with which Zipporah performs the circumcision reveals her heart and mind, but it was still accepted by God as a fulfillment of the covenant. I believe this caused quite a division in the family relationship. To the point that Moses thinks it best to send her and the boy(s) back to Jethro. When a man has his hands full with what God wants him to do, he certainly doesn’t need a wife who is a hindrance and an obstacle to him! Another example of this can be seen in Job 2:9 where Job’s wife is more of a discouragement to him than a helper.

After God brought His people out of Egypt through the leadership of Moses, Jethro reunites Moses and his family in Exodus 18:5-6. “And Jethro, Moses father-in-law came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness.” What’s 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 Jethro’s flocks. The two boys were known as “her” sons.

As far as application, I see two main points coming out of this story. 1-No family or home is a perfect place to raise children. Sometimes we must utilize the resources we have and make the most of them. God can take our humble attempts and use them for His honor and glory. 2-God expects obedience and submission from His people. Are you a part of God’s chosen people? Comments or questions, contact me at: thoughtsonword@gmail.com.

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Lyndon Stimeling, of Richfield, has been writing about faith and family for many years. He has self-published three books, “Common Thoughts on The Word” in 2016 and “Eye of a Needle” in 2017 and “Common Thoughts on The Word II” in 2019. He has also had articles published in The Coming Home Journal and local newspapers and has written a children’s book.