A brief and obscure episode in Moses’ life is recounted in Exodus 4:24-26. After forty years in the land of Midian, Moses was sent by the LORD back to Egypt to lead the Israelites out of bondage, initially taking his wife Zipporah and his two sons, Gershom and Eliezer (Ex. 2:11–4:20; cf. 18:2-6; Acts 7:22-36).
“And it came to pass on the way, at the encampment, that the LORD met him and sought to kill him. Then Zipporah took a sharp stone and cut off the foreskin of her son and cast it at Moses’ feet, and said, ‘Surely you are a husband of blood to me!’ So He let him go. Then she said, ‘You are a husband of blood!’—because of the circumcision” (Ex. 4:24-26, NKJV).
Commentary
Zipporah was a Midianite of the lineage of Abraham through his second wife Keturah (Gen. 25:1-4; Ex. 2:15-21). Presumably the Midianites were also amenable to the covenant of circumcision that God had instituted with Abraham and his descendants (Gen. 17:1-14). Zipporah’s father was the “priest of Midian” (Ex. 2:16; 3:1; 18:1) who acknowledged and served the LORD (Ex. 18:10-12, 19-23). However, at some point the Midianites drifted away from the monotheistic faith of their ancestry and served other gods (Num. 25:2). They became enemies of the people of Israel, luring them into sexual perversion and idolatry (Num. 22:1-6; 25:1-18; 31:1-18; cf. Judg. 6:1-10, 14).
The fact that Moses was in danger of being struck down by the LORD suggests he had been negligent in observing the whole counsel of God. The words and actions of Zipporah reflect her contempt for a divine ordinance, regarding it as abhorrent rather than a solemn act of obedience. Seeing that only one of their two boys was circumcised on this occasion, the other son had likely been circumcised already, provoking the ire of Zipporah and thus influencing Moses to then appease his wife rather than the LORD.
As the recognized leader of God’s people, it was imperative for Moses to be an example of obedience and faithfulness, even in what might seem to be the smallest matters. Moses would go on to write: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children …” (Deut. 6:5-7a). Moses’ life was spared when the law of God was obeyed, enabling him to continue his mission and be the instrument through whom the LORD would accomplish incredible things.
Lessons to Learn
Apostasy is a gradual process. It starts with what may appear to be “the little things,” digressing from and thereby straining God’s will and favor until complete estrangement results (cf. Rev. 2:4-5). Whether spiritual degradation occurs within one’s lifetime or over generations, apostasy is a great tragedy with everlasting consequences for all who go astray (cf. 2 Pet. 2:18-22).
Concerning the divine will, we must avoid trivializing, compromising, or disregarding what might be perceived as merely “minor” elements. While certain aspects of biblical teaching are “weightier” than others, “These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone” (Matt. 23:23).
It is vital that we exercise diligence in knowing, observing, and defending the whole counsel of God. “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much” (Luke 16:10).
It is dangerous to think we know better than God. Whether or not we understand, like, or agree with what the Bible says, we must trust that God’s revealed thoughts and ways are infinitely higher than ours (Isa. 55:8-9). “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:2).
Our circle of influence matters. “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits’” (1 Cor. 15:33). This is especially true with respect to whom we choose to marry. Spousal influence can draw us closer to God or lead us farther away (cf. Gen. 26:34-35; Deut. 7:3-4; 17:17; 1 Kings 11:1-3).
Conclusion
While circumcision is no longer enjoined under the new covenant of Jesus Christ (Acts 15:1-5, 24; Gal. 5:1-6; 6:15), the overarching principle of humble submission to the divine will still holds true (Acts 5:29; Rom. 2:4-11; 6:16-18). Let us be committed to trusting and obeying the Lord in all things, no matter how trivial and insignificant it may seem from a worldly perspective.
--Kevin L. Moore
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Related articles: Steve Higgenbotham's Anatomy of a Backslider
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