“So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.”
Context: Before we dive into the specific verse, it’s important to understand the context. In Exodus 4, God appeared to Moses at the burning bush and commissioned him to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites. Moses was hesitant and expressed concerns about his abilities. In response, God gave him signs and miracles to perform to validate his authority. In this verse, Moses had set out for Egypt with his wife Zipporah and their sons.
Moses’ encounter with God: Prior to this verse, Moses had an extraordinary encounter with God at the burning bush, where God revealed His name as “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). During this encounter, God instructed Moses to go to Egypt and deliver the Israelites. However, Moses was initially reluctant, citing his inadequacy and his fear of the Israelites not believing him or listening to his message (Exodus 4:1). God reassured Moses and provided him with miraculous signs, including turning his staff into a serpent and healing his hand from leprosy, to authenticate his divine authority.
The journey to Egypt: After receiving these signs from God, Moses embarked on the journey to Egypt along with his wife Zipporah and their two sons. It is during this journey that the events of Exodus 4:26 take place.
The incident of circumcision: In Exodus 4:24-26, the passage describes a rather puzzling incident. While on the journey, God sought to kill Moses, possibly due to his negligence in circumcising his younger son. In response, Zipporah, Moses’ wife, quickly took a flint knife and circumcised their son. Then she touched Moses’ feet with the foreskin and said, “A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.”
Interpretation: The meaning and significance of this incident and Zipporah’s statement are subject to interpretation. Some key points to consider include:
- Neglect of circumcision: Circumcision was a crucial covenant sign given by God to Abraham (Genesis 17:9-14). It represented the Israelites’ consecration to God and their identification as His chosen people. Moses, who was raised in Pharaoh’s household, may have neglected this rite due to his assimilation into Egyptian culture or perhaps due to the influence of his wife’s Midianite background. God’s intent to kill Moses highlights the seriousness of disregarding the covenant.
- Zipporah’s action: Zipporah’s swift response to circumcise their son and touch Moses’ feet with the foreskin indicates her acknowledgment of the importance of the covenant. It may have been an act of desperation to save Moses’ life. Her statement, “A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision,” could imply that Moses’ life was saved through the act of circumcision, which made him acceptable to God once again.
- Symbolic meaning: Some scholars suggest that Zipporah’s action and statement symbolize the blood of the covenant. In this view, Moses’ life is spared through the shedding of blood, foreshadowing the future importance of blood sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins.
Application: This passage teaches us the significance of covenant obedience and the importance of adhering to God’s commands. Moses, despite being chosen by God for a great task, was not exempt from fulfilling the requirements of the covenant. It reminds us of the need to be faithful in our own covenant relationship with God, obeying His commands and staying true to our commitment to Him.
In conclusion, Exodus 4:26 recounts the incident of circumcision during Moses’ journey to Egypt. It serves as a reminder of the importance of covenant obedience and the necessity of adhering to God’s commands. Through this passage, we are encouraged to be faithful in our own relationship with God, honoring the commitments we have made to Him.
