Why Was Moses Nearly Killed?
The episode in which Moses was nearly killed by God is one of the most mysterious and striking moments in the book of Exodus. Found in Exodus 4:24–26, this brief but intense scene occurs while Moses is on his journey back to Egypt to begin the mission God gave him—to deliver Israel from bondage. Despite its short length, the passage raises deep theological and moral questions. Understanding it requires examining the context, the covenant, and the significance of circumcision in Israel’s history.
1. The Context: Moses on His Mission
After God appears to Moses in the burning bush and commissions him to lead Israel out of Egypt, Moses finally agrees to obey. With his family, he begins the journey back to Egypt. Everything appears to be moving forward according to God’s plan—until an unexpected and terrifying interruption occurs:
“At a lodging place on the way the LORD met Moses and sought to kill him.”
—Exodus 4:24
This startling statement reveals that Moses suddenly stood under divine threat, despite being chosen to free Israel.
2. Why Would God Seek to Kill the Deliverer?
The most widely understood reason is that Moses had failed to circumcise his son, violating God’s covenant command. Circumcision was not optional—it was a foundational sign of belonging to God’s covenant people.
A. Circumcision Was a Covenant Requirement
God’s covenant with Abraham required that every male descendant be circumcised (Genesis 17:10–14). The command includes a warning:
“Any uncircumcised male… shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”
—Genesis 17:14
Failing to circumcise one’s son was not a small oversight—it symbolized covenant unfaithfulness.
B. Moses Was Returning to Represent God
As the chosen leader and representative of Israel, Moses had to fully honor God’s covenant. God could not allow a covenantbreaker to be the covenant mediator. His own household had to be in obedience before he could lead the entire nation.
C. God’s Threat Was a Covenant Judgment
The language “sought to kill him” signals God’s judgment. Moses’ negligence endangered his standing before God and threatened his role in the deliverance of the people.
3. Zipporah’s Role: A Swift and Courageous Act
Moses becomes incapacitated—likely stricken with a sudden, life-threatening illness inflicted by God. Unable to act, Moses’ wife Zipporah steps in:
“Then Zipporah took a flint knife and cut off her son’s foreskin…”
—Exodus 4:25
Her actions do three critical things:
A. She Performs the Circumcision Herself
Though unusual for a woman to perform, the covenant sign becomes the means of saving Moses’ life.
B. She Touches Moses with the Blood
By touching the foreskin (or its blood) to Moses’ feet, she symbolically transfers the covenant obedience to him. Moses is restored to covenant fidelity through the act.
C. She Declares Moses a “Bridegroom of Blood”
Zipporah’s statement likely expresses frustration and shock—but also recognition that their marriage and Moses’ life are bound to the covenant of blood.
Once she completes the circumcision:
“So He let him alone.”
—Exodus 4:26
God’s judgment ends immediately.
4. What the Incident Reveals
This puzzling episode teaches several important truths:
A. God Demands Covenant Faithfulness
Even Moses, chosen by God and entrusted with a monumental mission, was not exempt from obedience.
B. Spiritual Leadership Begins in the Home
Moses could not lead Israel faithfully while neglecting covenant obligations in his own family.
C. God Takes His Own Commands Seriously
The sign of circumcision symbolized identity, holiness, and loyalty to God. Neglecting it was not tolerated.
D. God’s Mercy Is Always Available
Though God confronted Moses with judgment, He accepted the act of repentance represented by the circumcision.
E. Zipporah Played a Critical Saving Role
Her quick obedience preserved Moses’ life and allowed God’s plan to continue.
5. Conclusion
Moses was nearly killed because he had failed to circumcise his son, violating the covenant God made with Abraham. This failure placed him under divine judgment at a critical moment in his mission. Through Zipporah’s decisive action, the covenant was upheld, Moses’ life was spared, and God’s mission moved forward.