Zipporah saved Moses’ life by performing an emergency circumcision on their son, appeasing God’s anger and preventing Moses’ death. This unusual and serious incident occurs in Exodus 4:24–26, just after God called Moses to return to Egypt to deliver Israel:
“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.”
The reason for God’s wrath was Moses’ failure to circumcise his son, an act commanded by God as the sign of His covenant with Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 17:10–14). Neglecting this command was a serious breach of covenant responsibility, especially for the man called to lead God’s covenant people.
Zipporah’s quick and decisive action resolved the crisis. Though she may not have fully understood the spiritual significance, her obedience spared Moses and allowed him to fulfill his mission.
This event teaches several lessons: God takes His covenant commands seriously, spiritual leaders are accountable for obedience in their own homes, and sometimes God uses unexpected instruments (like Zipporah) to accomplish His purposes. Ultimately, it reminds us that approaching God’s service requires full submission to His covenant standards.
