Why was God going to kill Moses in Exodus 4:24-26?

The Lord Confronts Moses: A Lesson in Obedience, Covenant, and Leadership

When God called Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, He equipped him with a powerful mission to confront Pharaoh and liberate the Hebrews from slavery. However, on his journey back to Egypt, Moses encountered a life-threatening situation that underscores the seriousness of obedience to God’s commands and the sanctity of the covenant. Exodus 4:24–26 (NKJV) recounts this startling event:

"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."

This mysterious and troubling passage raises several important theological and practical questions, but when examined closely, it provides a profound lesson about God’s covenant, obedience, leadership, and mercy.

The Covenant of Circumcision

To understand why God sought to kill Moses, we must revisit the covenant of circumcision established with Abraham. Genesis 17:9–11 (NKJV) states:

"And God said to Abraham: 'As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.'"

Circumcision was more than a physical act; it was a sign of the eternal covenant between God and His people. It symbolized Israel’s unique relationship with God and their consecration to Him. God warned that any uncircumcised male would be cut off from His people for breaking the covenant (Genesis 17:13–14).

As a descendant of Abraham, Moses was obligated to ensure his family adhered to the terms of this covenant. Yet, for reasons unknown, Moses had failed to circumcise his son. This act of disobedience, whether intentional or neglectful, jeopardized his role as the chosen leader of God’s people.

The Seriousness of Moses’ Sin

Moses’ failure to circumcise his son was not a minor oversight. It represented a direct violation of God’s covenant and called into question Moses’ fitness to lead God’s people. Moses was about to embark on a mission to rescue the Hebrews, a people set apart by their covenant relationship with God. Yet, in his own household, Moses was neglecting that very covenant.

God’s response was swift and decisive. The text implies that Moses became gravely ill, as God “met him and sought to kill him” (Exodus 4:24). This shows that God holds leaders to a higher standard of accountability. James 3:1 (NKJV) reminds us, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” For Moses to lead the Hebrews, he had to exemplify obedience to God’s commands, starting within his own family.

Zipporah’s Intervention

In this critical moment, Zipporah, Moses’ wife, took swift action. Recognizing the cause of God’s anger, she circumcised their son with a flint knife and touched Moses’ feet with the foreskin, saying, “Surely you are a husband of blood to me!” (Exodus 4:25, NKJV). Her actions averted Moses’ death, and God relented, allowing Moses to continue his journey.

Zipporah’s reaction reveals tension in their household regarding circumcision. Coming from Midian, where circumcision was not practiced as it was among the Hebrews, she may have resisted the practice. Yet, in this moment, she acted decisively to uphold God’s covenant. This act underscores the seriousness of obedience to God’s commands, even when they seem difficult or culturally challenging.

Why Was Circumcision So Important?

  1. The Covenant Sign
    Circumcision was the distinguishing mark of God’s covenant with His people. By failing to circumcise his son, Moses was neglecting the very covenant that defined Israel’s relationship with God.

  2. Moses’ Role as Lawgiver
    Moses was called to be the deliverer and lawgiver for Israel. For him to ignore the covenant sign would have been hypocritical and undermined his credibility. Leviticus 12:3 (NKJV) later codifies circumcision into the Mosaic Law: “And on the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.”

  3. God’s Holiness and Justice
    God’s actions remind us that He takes His commands seriously. As Proverbs 14:34 (NKJV) states, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” For Moses to lead a righteous nation, his household had to first align with God’s standards.

Lessons for Today

  1. Obedience to God’s Commands
    This passage emphasizes the importance of obeying God in every area of life. Partial obedience is disobedience. 1 Samuel 15:22 (NKJV) states: “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.”

  2. Leadership Begins at Home
    Before Moses could lead Israel, he had to align his own household with God’s commands. Christian leaders today are reminded of the importance of living a life above reproach. 1 Timothy 3:4–5 (NKJV) says that a leader must “rule his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?).”

  3. God’s Mercy in Judgment
    Although God’s judgment was imminent, His mercy allowed for repentance and restoration. James 2:13 (NKJV) declares, “For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” Moses was spared because of repentance and the action taken to rectify the situation.

  4. The Importance of Covenant Faithfulness
    For believers, circumcision points to a deeper spiritual reality: the circumcision of the heart. Romans 2:29 (NKJV) explains, “But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.” Christians are called to live lives set apart for God, reflecting His holiness in all areas.

Conclusion

This sobering incident in Moses’ life reminds us of the high standard to which God holds His people, especially those in leadership. God’s covenant is sacred, and His commands are not to be taken lightly. Moses was spared because God, in His mercy, allowed for repentance and restoration.

As we reflect on this passage, may we be reminded to walk in obedience, uphold the standards of God’s Word, and lead our families and communities in righteousness. Let us rejoice in the truth of Psalm 145:8 (NKJV): “The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy.”

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